Cindy walked out alone.
Nobody clapped, and I was grateful. Liam’s pain wasn’t a performance.
Her son approached us.
“I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t say it,” I replied.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, but I’ve ignored smaller comments. I kept calling them harmless because confronting her was harder.”
“Ignoring cruelty doesn’t keep it small.”
His fiancee lifted the cake box. “We ordered chocolate cake. Would Liam like some?”
Liam looked at her. “What kind of frosting?”
“Also chocolate.”
“Would Liam like some?”
He nodded. “Acceptable.”
Ben laughed, and after a moment, Liam joined him.
***
The following morning, we returned for breakfast.
Liam rolled into the dining room first.
Jeff removed a chair from our table and then paused.
“Acceptable.”
“Enough space?”
Liam checked the aisle. “Perfect.”
Cindy’s son and his fiancee entered moments later.
“Would it be all right if we joined you?” his fiancee asked.
I looked at Liam. “Your call.”
“Enough space?”
He nodded toward the empty chairs. “Sure.”
