Moja córka była jedyną dziewczynką, której nie zaproszono na imprezę Sweet 16 swojej najlepszej przyjaciółki – kiedy zadzwoniłam, żeby zapytać dlaczego, wyszeptała: „Lepiej zapytaj męża”

He had no quick answer.

“Tomorrow, we’re going through every account together,” I said. “And until I decide what happens next, there are no more private loans, favors, or promises involving our money.”

“You’re punishing me.”

“No. I’m removing the part where I don’t know what I’m agreeing to.”

“You’re punishing me.”

***

Later that afternoon, Helena called.

“Sophie told one friend why Emma wasn’t invited. It’s getting around.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I was thinking about canceling the party.”

I heard Sophie in the background.

“Mom, no. You already made me lose Emma over this. Please don’t take the party too.”

“What are you going to do?”

Helena went quiet.

Then she said, “I think I’ve made everything worse.”

“You have.”

“I know.”

“But you can stop making decisions for Sophie because you’re scared of Mark.”

“I think I’ve made everything worse.”

Helena exhaled.

“What if Emma doesn’t want to come?”

“Then Sophie needs to hear that from Emma.”

There was a pause.

“You’re right.”

“I know.”

“You’re right.”

***