I had felt proud of myself.
I had mistaken my willingness to be understanding for evidence of my own good judgment.
Within weeks, Saoirse stopped appearing at family events.
I never asked why.
At the wedding, there was an empty chair at the brunch the next morning, with her name card still standing in front of it.
I watched Lorna pick it up, turn it over, and place it face down on the tablecloth.
Then she continued her conversation as though nothing had happened.
That was when I should have understood.
But by then, I was already married into the family.
And I had already made myself part of the silence.
***
Imelda eventually arranged a meeting with Saoirse.
I wasn’t present for the first one. That was deliberate. Saoirse needed a chance to discuss her own family’s affairs without feeling that she had to manage my emotions as well.
When she finally agreed to see me, we met in a small café near Imelda’s office.
