
Margaret looked at the neck.
Then to me.
—I’m sorry you were offended.
Eleanor touched the cane once.
—Margaret.
The mother-in-law swallowed.
The skin on his neck tightened.
—I’m sorry I introduced a pet collar at June’s welcome. Necklaces
—I’m sorry I said I should learn your place.
—I’m sorry I tried to get close when Nora said no.
My voice came out low.
—Write it.
Humiliation rose to his face.
But he did.
The woman who had given me an apron with “Know Your Rank”, wrote, in front of two police officers, a military lawyer, a social worker and a retired judge, that my daughter deserved respect and protection.
I didn’t feel pleasure.
I felt tired.
Because no mother should need a file to prove that a baby doesn’t deserve a necklace.
When he finished, Denise Harper took the letter, made a copy, and attached it to the report.
—This does not close the review —he said—. It only demonstrates initial cooperation.
Margaret looked up.
-Review?
-Yes.