“No.”
“I honestly don’t understand what’s happening to you.”
June’s face softened.
“Neither did I.”
He looked away.
She continued.
“I think I spent years confusing love with making sure you never felt uncomfortable.”
Ethan’s eyes came back to hers.
“You’re my mother.”
“Yes.”
“You’re supposed to help me.”
“I have.”
“Then why are you acting like everything was some burden?”
“Because some of it was.”
His face changed.
June hated that.
But she continued.
“I loved helping you. I also gave more than I should have.”
“You never said that.”
“I am saying it now.”
Ethan sat.
Finally.
He looked tired.
“Claire thinks you hate her.”
“I don’t.”
“You made her look awful at the party.”
June stared.
“Ethan.”
He shook his head.
“I know what she said was bad.”
“Bad.”
“Cruel. Fine.”
June waited.
He continued.
“But you asked that question in front of everyone.”
“What else have you decided is worthless?”
“Yes.”
“I meant it.”
“I know.”
June leaned back.
