When Tessa wanted to ask us directly, Colin warned her that confronting us would only make things worse.
“He said if I pushed you, you might stop letting me come here at all.”
“What were you asking him about in the driveway?”
“I wanted him to convince you to let me audition.”
I felt anger rise so sharply I had to force myself to stay calm.
“He was the one stopping you.”
Tessa nodded.
“He kept saying I needed to accept your decision.”
That evening, Graham listened while Tessa showed us the messages on her phone.
One said, Your mom doesn’t want you auditioning. Please don’t make me get involved.
Another said, Sometimes parents tell you what you want to hear because the truth is painful.
Graham read them twice.
