“I can’t give you absolution for what you did to those families, or to my husband.

But you can spend whatever time you have left proving a Ashgrave can still tell the truth.” A tear tracked down his cheek.

“I will,” he said.

I did not forgive him, and I want to be honest that I never have.

There is a great cultural hunger for the widow who forgives, who finds peace by releasing her anger as though forgiveness were a favor you do yourself.

Maybe for some it is.