Chapter 10 - GLORIA’S FIRST RESPONSE
When Emily returned to the main hall, Gloria was waiting.
She had already been surrounded by curious veterans asking polite questions she could not answer.
Now she wanted answers of her own.
“So you let me think you failed?”
Emily stared.
There it was.
Not:
I’m sorry.
Not:
I’m proud of you.
Not:
What did this cost you?
You let me.
Emily almost admired the consistency.
“I told you repeatedly that you did not know the whole story.”
“You could have told me something.”
“I told you what I was allowed to tell you.”
“I’m your mother.”
“So?”
Gloria recoiled.
Several nearby conversations went quiet.
Emily continued.
“Do you think classification rules include an exception for mothers who hate being embarrassed at veterans dinners?”
Robert closed his eyes.
Caldwell stepped away.
This was family business now.
Gloria’s face reddened.
“I defended you for months.”
“Then you decided humiliating me felt better.”
“I was humiliated!”
Emily’s voice stayed calm.
“By what?”
Gloria opened her mouth.
Emily answered for her.
“By not being able to brag about me.”
That one landed.
Because it was true.
Gloria loved Emily most easily when Emily’s accomplishments reflected back on Gloria.
The Academy.
The uniform.
The rank.
When Emily’s career stopped providing social status, Gloria turned disappointment into punishment.
“You made me serve drinks today.”
Gloria looked around.
“It was a joke.”
“No.”
Emily’s voice sharpened slightly.
“It was only a joke because you thought everyone agreed I deserved it.”
Gloria had no answer.
Emily picked up the tray from the chair.
Then handed it back to her mother.
May you like
“You wanted someone to serve.”
She walked away.
