Over the years, aside from sending child support on time, we had no contact. However, I had heard from neighbors that after I left, Ethan sank deeper into alcoholism and neglected Sophie. It was only through relatives pooling their resources that they managed to scrape together her tuition.
I also learned that Sophie had spun a story among her relatives and friends, claiming I had abandoned my husband and daughter to chase after a married man.
At that moment, Sophie walked toward me, her face pale and contemptuous.
"I thought you'd be doing great, but here you are, hiding out selling pancakes!"
I paused, my hand stilling as I spread the sauce.
I ignored her.
A girl next to her quietly asked if we knew each other, and Sophie sharply denied it, saying, "What are you talking about? I don't know her!"
"Isn't she just an old woman selling pancakes? Who knows where she came from, making a fool of herself in the city?"
I kept my head down and replied, "If you're not buying, please move along."
I didn't know which word triggered her, but suddenly her voice rose sharply.
"Get your boss out here! This woman is unhygienic; her saliva is getting on the pancakes!"