Althea caught sight of it in the mirror and turned at once. “Melva…”

Melva tried to laugh it off, but more tears followed. “I’m sorry,” she said, hastily wiping her face. “I just—” She shook her head. “I’m just so happy for you. After everything you went through. After all the pain. You finally get the life you deserve.”

Before Melva could say more, Althea stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her.

Melva stiffened in surprise, then melted into the embrace, ...