Chapter 7
We went back. Back to the place I’d spent my whole life trying to escape.
Everything had changed.
New community buildings, paved roads, even a proper elementary school.
Diane said federal funding had finally reached the region. Infrastructure projects, education grants–things were actually improving.
Jenna had made a name for herself as an attorney. The local community center invited her to give a talk on tenant rights and legal aid.
I sat in the back row like a schoolkid, watching her up there. Watching her own that room.
Diane elbowed me, grinning. “You look like a proud mama.”
I was.
But I could feel myself slipping. Just sitting there for an hour left me wrecked.
Still, I wanted to keep watching. Wanted to hold onto this.
So when I see my mother again, I can tell her.
Her granddaughter finished school. Got out. Became a lawyer. Even been on the news.
Mom wanted me to finish school. I didn’t. But I made damn sure Jenna did.
My mother fought so I could survive.
I survived so Jenna could thrive.
That evening, Jenna kn ocked on our motel room door. Said she’d switched with Diane.
I fumbled around nervously, running a comb through my thin gray hair.
She took the comb from me and started brushing my hair herself.
I sat frozen, not daring to move.
“I ran into Tessa Riley today,” she said quietly. “She’s two years younger than me but looks like she could be my aunt.”
“After the talk, I caught up with her. She’s got five kids. Her oldest boy’s getting married next year. Her oldest daughter’s
3:18
So You Wanted Me Gone? The Comedy Show from My Ghost Perch Is Savage!
8.896
Chapter 7
getting married this summer.”
“She told me she envied me. That I got to leave. That I have a career. That no man’s ever put his hands on me.” Jenna’s voice cracked. “She said she’s trying to get her younger kids to stay in school. Hoping they don’t end up like her.”
“I saw so many faces I recognized. Weathered. Worn down. Just… hollow.”
“Mom, I should’ve been one of them.”
She hadn’t called me that in years. I grabbed my sleeve and pressed it to my eyes, but the tears kept coming.
“No. No, you shouldn’t have. You’re smart. You fought for yourself.”
“You’re not like them anymore. And your kids–your grandkids–they’ll never be trapped here.”
The mountains are beautiful. But they take everything.
She looked down at this crying woman–thin gray hair, frail shoulders, bent spine.
She couldn’t remember what her mother looked like when she was young.
Just the constant motion. The endless work. Those eyes that never quit.
Her throat tightened. She wanted to ask if it had all been worth it. If prison broke something in her.
Before she could get the words out, tears fell.
“Mom, I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry.”
[I’m sorry I didn’t understand. I’m sorry I resented you.]
I touched her smooth hair–so different from mine. Listened to her cry.
“Jenna, honey, you didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t know how to be a good mom. I hurt you trying to protect you.”
“Jenna, live bigger than I ever could. And make sure your daughter has it even better.”
She dropped to her knees in front of me. Eyes desperate.
“Mom, come back with me. We’ll get you real treatment. The kind that works.”
“I have money now. Good insurance. We can see specialists. Try everything.”
So I went.
♡ (0)
(0)
.. Chaet Darch Is Savaup!
9.1%
Chapter 8
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
