“And now?”

“Now I think leaving was the first decision I made without asking whether someone else would approve.”

For a long moment nobody spoke.

Then Michelle raised her glass.

“To decisions that belong to us.”

They clinked glasses, laughed, and talked about everything from work schedules to the disastrous neighborhood parking situation.

Iris was grateful that the evening did not become a ceremony for her pain.

It was dinner in her home, and everyone was welcome.