Usually her words would have hurt me, but this time, I found that I actually didn’t mind.Since Dad had been around, I was able to appreciate the ways we were the same.Yes, in our looks, but also our personalities.How we both were awkward with each other but kept trying, refusing to give up on each other.
And that was everything for me.
Lindie noticed that her words didn’t affect me like they had in the past.The air between us settled, not quite peaceful but no longer hostile.
Finally, Lindie said, “I’ll talk to Dr.Livingston about those programs she mentioned.There’s a couple that helps people who need to transition into a new life.”
Relief trickled through me, slow and shaky.“That’s a good choice.And I’ll help however I can.”
Her voice softened, just barely.“You really mean that?”
“I do,” I said.“But only if you let me help you the right way.You get to build your own life this time, Lindie.Not take over mine.”
She didn’t argue, didn’t fight.Only nodded like she understood.And somehow, that felt harder to face than the shouting ever had been.I knew that Lindie, the one with sharp words.But this one, I wasn’t so sure what to do with her.
When I stood to leave, my knees felt weak from the effort of holding myself upright through the whole conversation.
As I reached the door, Lindie said my name.I looked back, expecting the sting that always came after moments like this.
Instead, she just said, “You did good, Cadence.”
My throat tightened.“Thanks,” I managed, and slipped out into the hall before she could see me shake.
The hallway lights buzzed faintly above me.My reflection in the window didn’t look small anymore—it looked steady, older somehow.
I’d done it.I’d faced Lindie.
And for the first time, I hadn’t felt powerless.
Chapter Fifteen
Imade it halfway downthe hallway before my knees started to feel unsteady.While the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, it was my nerves that were humming from the conversation.Both relief and exhaustion became a tangled mess inside me.
I’d done it.
That thought felt so surreal to even think about.Like I needed to whisper the words just to be able to believe it.I’d stood my ground.Looked Lindie in the eyes and made it clear what her options were once she was released from the hospital and my house wasn’t one of them.
