"Mommy, I’m sorry… Is it Grandma and me who have been holding you back?"
"No, Aurelia, don’t ever blame yourself. This has nothing to do with you."
That night, after putting her to bed, my phone rang. It was my mother.
"Clara! Did you and Nathaniel make up?"
"Listen to me; you must never argue with your husband. A wife should be more understanding. He works so hard outside; it’s not easy for him! Do you hear me?"
I opened my mouth to tell her about the divorce, but before I could, she broke into a violent fit of coughing.
I swallowed my words.
"My health is getting worse and worse. Looks like I’ll be joining your father soon."
We spoke for a while before I set my phone down. I walked out onto the balcony, letting the cold night air bite at my skin. Sleep never came.
By morning, Ophelia arrived.
When I opened the door, the first thing I saw was the dress she had on—one I had custom-made for myself.
"Good morning, Sister Clara!"
Following my gaze, she glanced down at the dress, then smiled even more smugly.
"You have such great taste, Sister Clara. This dress is beautiful. I casually mentioned liking it and Nathaniel handed it right over."
Faced with her mockery, I saw no reason to be polite.