Raquel took her hand.
“Thank you. I know you tried.”
Amina’s eyes filled with tears.
“My daughters were wrong. They were afraid for their brother, but fear does not excuse cruelty.”
Raquel nodded.
“I understand being afraid of the future.”
“Then perhaps we can begin there.”
They spoke for nearly an hour.
When Nadia and Fatou arrived, they found Raquel sitting with their mother, sharing tea.
The sisters looked uncomfortable.
Nadia finally approached.
“Raquel, may I speak with you?”
Raquel nodded.
Nadia took a breath.
“I was wrong to insult you. I told myself I was protecting my brother, but I never stopped to consider what my words would do to you.”
Raquel listened without interrupting.
“I still have concerns about the future,” Nadia continued. “I don’t know what your life together would look like. But I should have asked questions instead of humiliating you.”
Fatou apologized too, although her words came more slowly.
