Dinner continued, but the atmosphere had changed.
Tyler answered politely, although he seemed distracted. Emma spoke less than she had earlier, and I found myself wondering whether she was beginning to understand something about her own situation.
After dessert, Emma helped me clear the table.
Daniel and Tyler carried the remaining dishes into the kitchen.
I could hear them talking about basketball.
Daniel didn’t lecture him. He didn’t demand an apology. He didn’t even mention Emma’s arms.
When Tyler left, Emma walked him to the door.
She returned a few minutes later and sat down beside me.
“Well?” I asked gently.
She stared at the floor.
“He didn’t say anything.”
“About what happened?”
She shook her head.
I looked toward Daniel, who was wiping down the kitchen counter.
“Maybe I should talk to him myself,” Emma said.
Daniel stopped what he was doing.
“If you want to, I’ll support you.”
