She took an envelope from her coat pocket.
Inside was the signed repayment agreement and a receipt showing that she had sold the designer handbag to make the first payment.
“I started counseling,” she said. “I don’t expect Claire to forgive me. I only want the chance to apologize without excuses.”
Ethan went inside and spoke to Claire.
The decision belonged to her.
After several minutes, Claire came to the doorway, holding Lily.
Diane stood.
For once, she did not reach for the baby.
She kept her hands at her sides.
“I am sorry,” she said. “You needed care, and I treated your vulnerability as an inconvenience. I took food, money, and comfort that were meant for you and Lily. Then I tried to make you feel guilty for needing help.”
Claire’s eyes shone.
“I trusted you.”
“I know.”
“I was scared.”
Diane nodded, tears running down her face.
“I know.”
Claire did not say that everything was forgiven.
Real forgiveness was not a switch that could be turned on after one apology.
But she stepped aside.
“You can come in for ten minutes.”
It was not a complete reconciliation.
It was a beginning.
