“You watch terrible movies.”
“That is your mother’s influence.”
From the back seat Ellen said, “I’m reconsidering supporting either of you.”
We drove home.
That evening, Marcy received another message from Dustin.
She showed it to us.
I won’t contact you after this. I told Ray what I know. I’m sorry for everything. You deserved better from me.
Marcy read it twice.
Then she put the phone down.
“You don’t have to answer,” Ellen said.
“I know.”
She waited almost an hour.
Then she wrote back.
I hope you get your life sorted out. I’m moving forward with mine. Please respect that.
Dustin did not respond.
Days passed.
Then a week.
Then two.
The world, surprisingly, kept moving.
Marcy returned to work part-time before returning full-time.
She began seeing a counselor recommended by her doctor—not because anyone thought she was weak, but because she said she wanted a place where every conversation did not automatically turn into a family meeting.
