She stood motionless for several seconds.
Then Dad quietly opened the door.
And my mother walked out.
For the first time in my life, I watched her leave without reaching for her.
***
That night, I couldn't sleep.
I sat beside the bedroom window, watching moonlight fall across the garden.
Nigel approached quietly.
"Can I sit with you?"
I nodded.
He sat beside me.
For a long time, neither of us spoke.
Then I asked:
"Do you think I'm supposed to forgive her?"
Nigel looked toward the window.
"No."
I turned to him.
He continued.
"You don't owe anyone forgiveness because they feel guilty."
Tears filled my eyes.
"And you?"
He lowered his head.
"I don't want you to forgive me because you're afraid of losing our family."
I swallowed.
"What do you want?"
He looked at me.
"I want to become someone you can trust. Even if you decide you can't stay married to me."
