Chapter 42: Miriam And Frank

It was the first time Ethpeal ever shouted at me, though the louder she became, the angrier I grew in return, my guilt fading as she raged at me over something neither of us could change.

"Let him go," I finally snapped. "He's better off with those who understand him, rather than tormented by the possibilities of what could have been."

Ivan crowded in behind his wife while Miriam stared at me, arms wrapped around herself, as if she didn't know who I was. Let them be angry. Frank was gone and the more I thought about it, the more I knew it was the right thing for him to do.

Ethpeal stormed out after Ivan joined my argument, patting her shoulder with a "there, there, dear, the boy's better off." I glared at Frank's father from my perch on the counter, knowing Ivan's support had everything to do with his own pride and embarrassment. That kind of backing I didn't need.