She said: he’s your husband.
I said: yes.
She said: I don’t want to cause trouble between you.
I said: you’re not causing anything.
She said: he said it was important. The game.
She said: I didn’t want to be the reason for a fight.
I said: you are never the reason for the fight, Mom.
She said: I’m not sure Gabriel sees it that way.
I said: yes.
I said: I’m aware.
She finished the tea.
She was tired in the specific way she was tired after any exertion now, the tiredness that settled into her quickly and completely.
She said: Sara.
I said: yes.
She said: I’m sorry you came home to this.
I said: I’m glad I came home early.
