But she did not apologize for asking.
Helena took several seconds to answer.
“Because I was frightened,” she said. “Because I let my husband decide what our family should do. And because every time I thought about speaking up, I convinced myself it was too late.”
Emma felt anger rising.
“You were an adult.”
“I know.”
“I was thirteen.”
“I know.”
“You had choices I didn't have.”
Helena's voice broke.
“Yes.”
Emma waited.
She wanted to hear excuses.
Or perhaps she wanted Helena not to make any.
“I failed you,” Helena finally said. “I should have challenged what my husband was doing. I should have spoken up while it mattered. I should not have waited until the damage had already been done.”
Emma looked toward the window.
Outside, children were walking home from school.
She remembered herself at thirteen.
And for one painful moment, she wished she could return to that little girl and tell her that she had deserved more protection than she received.
