Chapter 13 - Margaret Learns to Enter Quietly
Two years passed.
Margaret still had opinions about curtains, restaurants, and the correct
way to roast potatoes.
But she asked before giving advice.
Usually.
She stopped contacting David’s friends for information.
She never called Laura’s employer again.
And whenever she came to the house, she rang the bell.
One Thanksgiving, Laura opened the door.
Margaret stood outside empty-handed.
“No turkey?” Laura asked.
“I was told I’m not allowed to control the menu.”
“Smart woman.”
Margaret smiled. “May I come in?”
Laura stepped aside.
“Yes.”
The question mattered.
After dinner, Margaret helped wash dishes.
“You know,” she said, “I still think you overreacted with the turkey.”
Laura stared.
Margaret held the expression for two seconds.
Then laughed.
Laura threw a dish towel at her.
Margaret became serious.
“I’m glad you did it.”
“Destroyed dinner?”
“Stopped being afraid of me.”
Laura said nothing.
Margaret dried a plate.
“I had become someone people managed instead of someone they trusted.”
She looked down.
“That is a lonely thing to discover.”
Laura nodded.
Margaret looked at her.
“I’m sorry it cost you so much to make me see it.”
This apology asked for nothing.
Laura smiled faintly.
“I forgive you.”
Margaret’s eyes filled.
Laura pointed a wet spoon at her.
“Do not make this dramatic.”
Margaret laughed through tears.
May you like
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
This time the lie was harmless.
