Margaret Walks Across the High School Stage on a Warm June Morning
“This is foolishness,” Brian said. He took a single step into the room, his boots heavy on the rug. “You are packing a bag to go live two miles down the road. In a place that smells of disinfectant.”
“I cannot stay here, Brian,” I said, placing Olivia’s graduation cap on top of my clothes. “I cannot live in a house where my husband thinks our daughter’s memory is a negotiation.”
“I did not negotiate her memory,” Brian said, his face flush. “I am trying to protect what we have left. We have to live in this town, Margaret. We have to look these people in the eye next week, and the week after that.”
“And I have to look in the mirror,” I said. “I went to the school today. Vance threatened Kayla. He told her he would ruin her college recommendation if she spoke about Olivia.”
Brian rubbed his temples again, his eyes closed. “Vance is a bureaucrat. He is trying to keep his job. If you keep pushing, you are going to get yourself arrested, and for what? A name on a piece of paper?”
