She had spent my whole life braced for my anger, ready to overpower it, because my anger had always contained a plea, and a plea could be shouted down.

What she had no defense against was a daughter who wanted nothing from her at all.

You cannot bully a person back into a relationship they have already, quietly, finished grieving.

Chapter 6 — Whatever Tone I Please

She recovered fast, the way she always did, reaching for the old authority.

“I am your mother, and I will speak in whatever tone I please,” she hissed, climbing back onto her high ground.

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to Rachel?