I answered beside Leo’s bed.
Her voice was shaking.
“Clara, I didn’t know.”
“I know.”
“Mom said you were being dramatic because you wanted attention.”
I closed my eyes.
“Chloe, I need you to understand something.”
“What?”
“I’m not angry at you for having a birthday.”
She began crying.
“I told her we should stop the party.”
“What did she say?”
“She told me I was embarrassing her in front of the guests.”
I glanced toward David.
“Where are you now?”
“In the dressing room upstairs.”
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Then stay somewhere safe and don’t argue with her.”
Chloe sniffled.
“Clara, she showed everyone that picture of Leo.”
“I saw it.”
“She said she was proud of her grandson.”
My throat tightened.
“I wish she’d told him that when he was conscious.”
Chloe went silent.
Then she whispered something I had never expected to hear.
