I started walking toward them.
Then I heard Amelia’s voice.
“You didn’t ask me if I was angry.”
Ryan went completely still.
“I asked if you liked the ceremony,” he said quietly.
“That isn’t the same thing.”
He lowered his head.
Amelia continued.
“You ask if school was good. You ask if I want dinner. You ask if I want to bring my friend over.”
Her voice trembled.
“But you never ask if I’m angry with you.”
I stopped several feet away.
Ryan looked at her for a long moment.
Then, for once, he didn’t defend himself.
He simply asked:
“Are you angry with me?”
Amelia nodded.
“Yes.”
Ryan swallowed hard.
“Okay.”
For illustrative purposes only
That single word surprised me more than anything.
No excuses.
No blaming.
No telling her she was too young to understand.
Just okay.
Then Amelia looked up and saw me.
