“He’s changing.”
“Yes.”
“I’m scared it’s temporary.”
“That’s reasonable.”
“What if I forgive him too soon?”
Claire sat beside her.
“Then don’t decide today.”
Emily leaned against her sister.
“What if I wait too long?”
Claire smiled.
“Emily, your marriage isn’t yogurt. It doesn’t have an expiration date printed on the lid.”
Emily laughed despite herself.
It felt strange.
Good.
Claire nudged her shoulder.
“You can watch.”
“Watch what?”
“What he does.”
Emily thought of Margaret’s words.
Trust him differently.
Perhaps that was all she could do.
Two months passed.
The girls grew stronger.
Grace developed a determined little frown.
Lily smiled first.
Faith, once the smallest, became the loudest whenever she wanted attention.
Mark became skilled enough to manage all three for short stretches while Emily rested.
They rarely discussed the marriage.
Instead they discussed bottles.
Laundry.
Doctor appointments.
Sleep.
Ordinary life.
