As much as she didn’t want to, Macy was having horrible images. She thought about Macon in the hallway, weeks after, saying with a smirk, “He almost killed you, didn’t he?â€?

Why would she choose to come clean now? Doctors say victims need closure. Is that what Macy needed? It’s not what she wanted.

But she left school. She hurried home, hoping her mom wasn’t drunk like always. Macy’s mom was a mystery, but Macy needed advice and there was no one else with it.

“Mom?â€? Macy called as she entered the door. She went into the kitchen to find her mother.

“Hi dear. What’s up?â€? No slurs in words.
Good sign.

“I um wanted to talk.â€?

“Yes dear, you can talk to me.â€?

Suddenly, Macy became the little girl again. She crossed the room into her mother’s arms. She whispered, “Mom, I really messed up. I need you.â€? Her voice was muffled, but her mom could hear her. Any mother could.

And finally, Macy’s mom cradled Macy and asked softly, “What happened? I’m here.â€?

That was just what Macy needed.