Ethan ran up to me, his arms halfway outstretched.
“Mom, what happened? Did you fall?”
It felt like my heart was being crushed.
I knelt and pulled my little boy into my arms.
Helen hurried out of the bathroom with a damp towel, handing it to me.
“Weren’t you having dinner with David? How did you end up like this?”
I forced a smile.
“Tripped on the way back.”
After I’d cleaned myself up, she pulled me aside and whispered, “What’s David planning about Margaret’s case?”
Thinking of what he’d said before leaving, I answered with difficulty, “He… he said we’ll take it to court.”
“Court is good. At least Margaret will get justice.”
Helen nodded firmly, then pulled out a bank card and shoved it into my hand.
“This is the money Robert and I have saved up. These cases cost a lot. Take it. If you need more, just tell us.”
“Mom’s heading back. Your dad’s waiting for dinner.”
She patted my hand and turned to leave.
I chased after her, still clutching the bank card, but the door slammed shut in my face.
The plastic in my palm burned like fire, searing through every nerve.
I wanted a divorce.
But how could I tell her that?
How could I admit that all her years of devotion meant nothing to David?