Chapter 23 - MONICA RETURNS TO THE HOUSE
Beatrice invited Monica for Thanksgiving.
First time in years.
Monica almost declined.
Gavin said:
“If she invited, respect.”
At door Monica stopped.
Same hallway.
Same dining room.
Her face changed.
Beatrice sat at head of table now, wheelchair nearby but using supportive chair.
Tyler hugged her.
Monica approached.
“Thank you for inviting.”
Beatrice nodded.
Dinner awkward then normal.
At one point Beatrice refused second helping.
Monica automatically said:
“Are you sure?”
Then froze.
Everyone noticed.
Beatrice stared.
Then smiled slightly.
“Yes.”
Monica laughed with tears.
“Okay.”
A tiny exchange.
No one clapped.
Good.
After dinner Beatrice asked Monica to stay.
She spoke slowly.
“I… don’t… forget.”
Monica nodded.
“You shouldn’t.”
“I… don’t… hate.”
Monica cried.
“Thank you.”
“Different.”
“Yes.”
Beatrice touched her hand briefly.
Forgiveness? Maybe partial.
Not absolution.
May you like
Human.
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