—Alec—

Silence settled between us. I hadn’t expected the truth to sound like grace, or hurt this much.

“After how awful I'd been to her lately... Do you think she'll take me back?” I asked.

“How would you know if you don't go out there and try?”

Mama smiled and lowered her cup to the table.

“Show her you’ve changed, Alec, that you're willing to work things out with your words, your actions, and patience. Don’t just knock on her door, stay there until she’s ready to open ...