“I made a terrible mistake, staying away as long as I did.

That failure is mine, and I will carry it for the rest of my life.

But my mistake, Mom, did not give you the right to abuse my daughter and steal the money I sent to care for her.” Evelyn’s eyes flicked to Maya, cold.

“She was always difficult about food anyway,” she said.

And my daughter, who had been silent, spoke, and her voice was clear and steady for the first time all evening.

“You didn’t give me money for food, Grandma.” “Be quiet!” Evelyn snapped.