***
He’d waited until I was sore, exhausted, and unable to stand alone. For ten years, I’d calmed arguments and protected everyone from embarrassment.
He’d counted on that version of me.
Thomas lowered the gift bag.
« What exactly are you doing, son? »
« I’m telling the truth, Dad. It’s time. »
He’d waited until I was sore.
« Here? » Thomas asked. « On the day your child was born? »
« It had to come out. »
I looked at Mary.