Chapter 20 — Ascension

A few days later, I met Beatrice for tea at a quiet cafe near the park.

She looked fragile, and humbled, and she reached across the table to touch my hand with trembling fingers.

“Loretta, I am so truly sorry,” she wept.

“I was blind, and arrogant, and now we have lost everything.” “Some things cannot be put back together once they are broken, Beatrice,” I said gently.

“But I hold no hatred toward you.