Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Independence

Nora Berry was stressed out of her mind. There was so much for her to do now that she had denounced her mother, but the first thing that she had to do was answer the incoming phone call from her father.

“Hello?” she said, trying not to sound miserable.

“Nora,” her father sounded relieved, if not a little exhausted. “I’m sorry.”

He paused for a very long time, expecting her to say something in return. But, she didn’t.

“Your mother can get very …” He seemed unsure how to put it in a way that was still respectful, so he just said it outright. “In her own mind about things.”

“You can say that again,” Nora groaned, rubbing her forehead. “But I was so tired of it. I didn’t want to hear her backward worldviews anymore.”

“Well, she just wants what is best for you, and for Charlotte too,” said her father, sounding tired beyond his years. “Even if she is terrible at showing it.”