Chapter 9 - The Woman Who Once Mocked HerVanessa eventually returned.
This time, alone.
She stood outside the restaurant.
Mom saw her through the window.
“Should I ask her to leave?”
Mom shook her head.
“No.”
Vanessa entered.
She approached slowly.
“I wanted to thank you.”
Mom looked surprised.
“For what?”
“For helping Sophie.”
“She earned her place.”
Vanessa nodded.
“She talks about you constantly.”
Mom smiled.
“She's a good kid.”
Vanessa sat down.
“I was cruel to you.”
“Yes.”
“I judged you.”
“Yes.”
“I embarrassed you.”
“Yes.”
Vanessa's eyes filled with tears.
“Why aren't you angry?”
Mom thought about it.
“I was.”
“I don't deserve forgiveness.”
“Maybe not.”
Vanessa looked up.
“But I'm giving it anyway.”
Vanessa began crying.
Mom reached across the table.
“Just don't do it again.”
“I won't.”
“Then we're done.”
Vanessa nodded.
She stood.
Then turned.
“Mrs. Bennett?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for teaching my daughter what kindness looks like.”
May you like
Mom smiled.
“She's teaching me too.”
