Chapter 9 - Ethan Had Been Part of the Problem Too
Claire did not let Ethan escape accountability simply because he finally defended her at dinner.
Later that night, when Robert and Margaret moved into another room, Claire sat with Ethan among the aftermath of the broken dishes.
“You stood up tonight,” she said.
“I should’ve done it years ago.”
“Yes.”
He looked at her.
The answer clearly hurt.
Claire continued.
“Your mother manipulated things. But she didn’t make you dismiss me.”
“I know.”
“She didn’t make you ask me to apologize every time she got offended.”
“I know.”
“She didn’t make you believe every screenshot before asking me.”
“I know.”
His eyes filled.
“I kept thinking if I could keep Mom calm, everyone would get along.”
Claire shook her head.
“No. I had to stay small so your mother could stay calm.”
Ethan sat with that.
Then whispered:
“You’re right.”
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It was the first apology Claire believed because he did not attach a defense to it.
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