Violet folded her arms.
“If you want a relationship with us, you have to build one.”
Evelyn added, “And you have to tell the truth, even when it makes you look bad.”
Maya stood quietly for a moment before speaking.
“I don’t know you, Mom. I know the stories about you. I know what Dad told me when I was little, and I know what I learned as I got older. But I don’t know you.”
Elena’s face crumpled.
“I understand.”
Maya nodded.
“Then start there.”
No one hugged Elena.
No one promised her a place in their lives.
But no one threw her out, either.
For the first time in fifteen years, the decision belonged to the daughters she had left behind.
And they were strong enough to make it for themselves.
Elena and Julian left the wedding before dinner.
They walked out separately.
Julian went first, his expression hard and unreadable. Elena stayed behind long enough to collect the photographs she had taken from the box.
