Chapter 17 - FACING THE SHATTERED MIRROR
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Brandon sat alone at the long dining table, staring blankly at the untouched plates of gourmet food and the melted candles.
Mom slowly walked over to the table and began gathering the empty wine glasses.
I immediately walked forward and took the glasses out of her hands.
“No,” I said gently.
Mom looked at me, confused. “Elaine, the mess—”
“Tonight, you sit,” I commanded softly, pulling out the comfortable armchair at the head of the table.
Mom looked at the chair, then at me. Tears filled her eyes again, but this time they were different. She sat down slowly, letting her tired body sink into the cushion.
I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close. For the first time since I had stepped off the airplane, she hugged me back without fear, leaning her head against my arm.
Behind us, Brandon let out another ragged sob.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Brandon choked out, wringing his hands together. “I am so, so sorry.”
Mom turned her head to look at him. She didn't offer him easy comfort. She didn't tell him it was okay. And I was immensely proud of her for that.
“You need to be more than sorry, Brandon,” Mom said, her tone firm.
Brandon nodded miserably. “I know.”
“No, Brandon. I don’t think you do,” Mom said, leaning forward. “You sat in this house every single day and watched me become terrified inside my own home.”
Brandon collapsed back into his chair, wiping his eyes with the back of his sleeves. “I kept telling myself Vanessa was just stressed about the house… about money…”
“And when I was sleeping on a cot beside the laundry room?” Mom asked, her voice cutting through his excuses. “What did you tell yourself then?”
Brandon looked down at the floorboards, silent.
“When she called me the help in front of her friends?” Mom asked. “When she took control of my bank account?”
More silence.
“When she made me feel like I was a burden just for breathing?”
Brandon wiped his tear-stained face, his voice breaking completely. “I failed you. I was a coward.”
May you like
Mom looked at her son for a long moment, then slowly nodded her head.
“Yes,” Mom said softly. “You were.”
