Chapter 8 - The Six Dollars Are Handed Back With Interest
Gwen reached into the pocket of her simple cardigan and pulled out six crumpled dollar bills.
She walked over to Rosalind, who stood frozen in the center of the room like a statue in a lavender dress.
“Here is your change from the two hundred dollars, Rosalind; six dollars exact,” Gwen said, holding the cash out.
Rosalind looked down at the dirty dollar bills as if they were venomous snakes ready to strike.
“Keep your pathetic change, you ungrateful little—,” Rosalind began, her voice shaking with unbridled fury.
“No, take it,” Gwen interrupted smoothly, pressing the bills firmly into Rosalind’s manicured palm and closing her fingers over them.
“Every transaction must be accounted for; that’s what your son always taught me about financial responsibility,” Gwen added.
Brandon stared at his wife, realizing with sudden, crushing dread that his marriage was fundamentally beyond repair.
“Gwen... let’s just go home and talk about this like adults,” Brandon whispered, reaching out to touch her arm.
May you like
Gwen stepped away from his touch as if he carried a contagious disease, her eyes completely devoid of warmth.
“There is no home left to go back to, Brandon; I packed my bags yesterday afternoon,” Gwen stated clearly.
