After a time, Aunt Kathy appeared from one of the other rooms. She had a bandage around her head, but seemed physically alright.
Alice was on her feet in a second, running to Aunt Kathy. She hugged her without words.
I stood too, as did some others from our family, and approached.
“I’m so sorry!” Alice said, her voice shaky as fresh tears fell from her eyes. “I tried to listen to Olivia but she hurt you anyway!”
“Oh, darling Alice. Nothing that happened is your fault. I’m the one who should be apologizing, for being so careless. I don’t know what I was thinking answering the door.”
“Neither of you should apologize,” I said. “You both tried to protect each other and that’s what matters.”
“Your father is right,” Aunt Kathy said. Her smile was kind and warm, motherly. It made me long fo
