This one hurt because my mother was standing inside it.
“When?” I asked.
She blinked.
“When what?”
“When did I tell you I was studying legal administration?”
“Years ago.”
“Where?”
“I don’t remember.”
“On the phone?”
“Probably.”
“Before or after my graduation?”
Her eyes flickered.
Judge Morland watched us.
My mother snapped, “Why does that matter?”
“Because you didn’t come to my graduation.”
Silence.
Brenda looked toward our father.
My mother shifted in her chair.
I continued.
“You told me you couldn’t attend because Brenda’s wedding was the same weekend.”
Brenda’s expression tightened.
“And?”
“And I mailed you my graduation announcement.”
My father’s eyes dropped.
“It said Suffolk University Law School.”
Nobody moved.
My mother whispered, “I don’t remember that.”
“I do.”
Brenda crossed her arms.
“So we’re bad parents. That doesn’t prove malicious intent.”
Mr. Avery looked at her.
“No. But something else may.”
