Daniel alternated between apologies and accusations until her lawyer cut off direct contact.
Anna eventually recovered part of the money she’d lost.
More importantly, the records Sophie found supported what Anna had been saying for years.
People who’d dismissed her began calling.
Some apologized.
Anna didn’t accept every apology.
I respected that.
Sophie found her own apartment.
On moving day, she bought a dining table.
Nothing fancy.
Secondhand oak with scratches along one edge.
She loved it.
The first Sunday after she finished unpacking, she invited Anna and me to dinner.
She roasted chicken.
I brought bread.
Anna brought potatoes.
When we sat down, Sophie stayed standing.
“Forgot the water.”
She brought it.
Then she noticed empty plates.
“I’ll serve everyone.”
“Sophie.”
She looked at me.
“Sit down.”
“I’m just getting everything.”
“It can wait.”
Her hand rested on the back of her chair.
For a moment, I saw the old reflex.
Serve first.
Eat later.
Keep everybody happy.
Earn your place.
Then Anna pulled out the chair beside her.
“Your food’s getting cold.”
Sophie sat.
Nobody asked her to get up again.
Halfway through dinner, she looked around the table and started smiling.
“What?”
I asked.
“Nothing.”
But I knew.
