She swallowed.
“But I did not ask questions first. I did not check. And I used a picture of a man without context in a way that harmed him.”
Her eyes moved toward Silas.
“I am sorry.”
The room stayed quiet.
Not because the apology was perfect.
It wasn’t.
But because it was rare.
A public apology with no music behind it.
No filter.
No soft lighting.
Just an adult admitting she had been wrong.
Silas looked uncomfortable enough to crawl out of his own skin.
He nodded once.
Mrs. Bell sat down quickly.
Then Junie stood up on her chair.
“Uncle Silas should talk.”
Silas closed his eyes.
Nana whispered loudly, “Sit down, Junie.”
“I am helping.”
“You are meddling.”
“You told me meddling is how women get things done.”
The room laughed.
Even Silas.
A little.
Then all eyes turned to him.
I expected him to shake his head.
