If they wanted their son to have designer things, that was their choice.
But Frank’s gift would not be used to decorate Madison’s pride.
Madison started crying harder then.
I did not move to comfort her.
I am not cruel, but I have learned that rescuing people too quickly can rob them of the lesson they earned.
The video came down later that day.
Not before enough people had seen it.
Not before the room’s little nervous laugh had become something Madison could not control.
A few women from the shower called me.
One said she should have spoken up.
Another said she felt sick after watching it again.
Madison’s mother sent flowers.
I put them on the porch table, where they could be pretty without pretending to fix anything.
Weeks passed.
Kyle came by more often.
Sometimes he brought groceries I had not asked for.
