Cora

I walked to the coffee shop from the Carpenters’ house. It was only a few blocks and helped to expel some of the nervous energy I’d accumulated since last night. I had zero desire to do this, but I was grateful she’d suggested a public place. It would force me to maintain my composure. I hadn’t realized until I saw Gwendolyn just how much pent-up aggression I harbored for her. Somehow, I’d convinced myself over the years that I was as aloof as she was. I’d allowed myself to believe she wasn’t capable of anything different. That’s what my dad had told me all my life, so I didn’t think it was me she avoided. Clearly, that wasn’t the case—she was capable of loving someone besides my grandfather…just not me.