“Why did she stay?”
“Because she chose to.”
I looked toward the wall, unable to meet his eyes.
Suddenly, childhood memories felt contaminated.
Family vacations.
Anniversary dinners.
The way Mom smiled when Dad kissed her forehead.
Had all of that existed on top of some wound I had never known about?
Dad spoke carefully.
“Claire, I’m not telling you to forgive Daniel tonight.”
“Then what are you telling me?”
“I’m asking you to get through the pregnancy first.”
I shook my head.
“You don’t understand.”
“I understand more than you think.”
“No. You were the one doing the betraying.”
That landed.
Dad lowered his eyes.
I immediately wanted to take it back.
Then I didn’t.
He deserved to hear it.
At least, I thought he did.
He stood.
“Try to rest.”
“Dad?”
He stopped at the door.
“I don’t know who you are right now.”
