Chapter 4My Peace Offer, His Agony

“She’s in the hospital. In surgery.

“It’s life or death, Ava. I can’t just leave her.

“Tomorrow. I’ll come tomorrow and pick you all up.

“We can bring Mom back to the city with us for a few days.”

I listened numbly, a storm of emotion churning inside me.

I didn’t want to get angry. My mother always used to say:

“Ava, honey, don’t get upset so easily. It’s not worth it.

“Just live a quiet, peaceful life.

“Turn a blind eye, and the years will pass.

“Look at me. I used to have so many complaints about your father, but after he passed, all I can remember are the good things.”

But Alex… he was pushing me too far.

“You don’t have to come. I have something to discuss with you when I get back.”

I hung up before he could reply.

He called again. I declined it.

Then the texts started.

[Stop being unreasonable. Just wait for me.]

[If she had anyone else to help her, she wouldn’t have called me.]

[She wanted to apologize to you for last time. I’m the one who didn’t let her.]

[You know what your temper is like, Ava. I was afraid you’d hit her again.]

[Can’t we just live our lives in peace? Why do you have to throw a fit over every little thing?]

He sent a flood of messages. I skimmed a few.

My cousins had arrived. I turned off my phone and ignored him.

The meal was a somber affair.

Later, at my mother’s grave, my cousins waited for me at a respectful distance.

I sat on the cold ground, staring at her photograph, and the tears started to fall.

There was so much I wanted to say, but the words wouldn’t come.

Just before I left, I finally whispered to her.

“I’m sorry. I lost that son-in-law you liked so much.

“You won’t blame me, will you, Mom?”

A gust of wind rustled the trees, brushing my cheek like a gentle caress.

I choked back my tears, turned, and walked down the mountain without looking back.