SIXTY SEVEN: SHE LOST IT

[SHAIRA's POINT OF VIEW]

"Why aren't you responding?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "Don't look at me with that pity on your face because I don't need any pity... especially from you," she added, her words laced with bitterness.

I maintained a calm exterior, even though her words stung. "I understand that you may not want my sympathy, and I respect that," I replied, my tone devoid of emotion. "But let me be clear—I won't pretend that I wasn't relieved by the absence of your child. It's a complex mix of emotions, and I won't deny that. However, proving anything to you is not my intention."

She glared at me, her eyes filled with resentment. "You say you understand, but do you really? Do you know what it feels like to have your family torn apart?" she spat out, her voice tinged with pain.

"I understand that pain more than you know," I responded, my voice steady.