When he left, I watched him walk down the gravel drive.

Whitney’s engagement had ended, and there would be rumors about why.

I wished him a quieter life than the one our families had tried to design for us.

A few days later, my mother called Richard.

She asked if she could visit me.

He did not answer for me.

He handed me the phone and stood nearby while I told her I was not ready.

She said I was being spiteful.