Chapter 5: An Apology Without Excuses

I wanted to forgive him immediately. I also wanted to throw him out. Both feelings were honest, but neither needed to control what I did next.

“You should have called,” I said. “Putting this in my dinner was unsettling, and Laura deserved better than being dragged into a family mystery.”

Michael nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Laura.”

She accepted the apology, then left us alone at the table.

Michael turned to me. “I was responsible for the fire. I let you take the blame. Later, I stayed away while you handled Mom’s care. I told myself you didn’t want me there, but the truth is that I couldn’t bear facing you.”

For once, he didn’t soften the truth or ask me to comfort him.

I admitted my part too. I had used my sacrifice as a weapon. Whenever Michael reached out, I reminded him that I had been the loyal son. Resentment had made me feel righteous, but it had not made me whole.

“I can forgive you,” I said, “but we can’t pretend three lost years disappear tonight.”

“I understand.”

“Coffee next week,” I offered. “One honest conversation at a time.”

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