Chapter 23
CHAPTER 24 — The Grocery Store Ghost
Peace is occasionally tested, just to remind you how strong your walls have become.
Julia was at the local upscale grocery store on a Tuesday evening, picking out fresh basil, when she heard a voice she hadn't heard in fifteen years.
"Julia? My goodness, is that you?"
Julia turned. Standing next to the organic tomatoes was Beatrice, her former sister-in-law. The woman who had repeatedly told Julia that she was overreacting, that she needed to be a "more forgiving wife," and who had turned a blind eye to every bruise.
Beatrice looked older, wrapped in an expensive cashmere shawl, her eyes darting over Julia’s casual clothes with practiced judgment.
"Beatrice," Julia said, her voice perfectly level.
"I heard Mia got married," Beatrice said, leaning in with a conspiratorial, toxic whisper. "Her father was absolutely devastated he wasn't invited. It broke his heart, Julia. You really should have encouraged her to be the bigger person."
Ten years ago, Julia would have felt a crushing wave of guilt. She would have stammered an excuse.
Today, Julia looked at Beatrice with profound, clinical detachment.
"Mia is a grown woman who makes her own choices about who she allows in her life," Julia said calmly. "She chose to surround herself with people who protect her, not people who hurt her. Or people who stood by and watched."
Beatrice’s face flushed a deep, embarrassed crimson. She opened her mouth to argue, but the words died in her throat.
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"Have a lovely evening, Beatrice," Julia said.
She dropped the basil into her basket and walked away. Her hands did not shake. Her breathing remained perfectly even. The ghost was completely powerless.
