Maybe I Had Been Wrong

EZEKIEL

After walking my parents outside the kids’ hospital room, I tried to get my thoughts together. My mom was still fuming. I could see it in the way her lips were tight, and the way she crossed her arms. She probably hadn’t encountered someone who would answer her like that the way Mrs. Alice Lancaster did.

“Ezekiel, you can’t expect me to just let this go,” she said, her voice sharp. “That woman and her family—”

“Mom,” I cut her off before she could say anything worse. “This isn’t the right time. Please, respect Vivienne and her family.”

She huffed, clearly not happy with what I was saying. “But they act like we’re the enemy. You can’t just push your own family aside!”

I kept my voice calm, even though I was starting to get frustrated.

“I’m not pushing anyone aside. But we’re here for the kids, not for a fight. I’ll call you when things settle down, and I’ll explain everything at home. But right now, I need space.”

She gave me a look that made it clear she didn’t like my answer