Richard shifted uncomfortably. Tara resisted the urge to punch the air. She turned to face her ex-husband, waiting for his reaction, preparing for the onslaught. To her amazement, she saw a teardrop run down his cheek, then another and another, until he crumpled into uncontrollable tears.
‘Richard,’ said Tara softly, putting a hand on his shoulder.
‘S… sorry. I’m so… sorry,’ he choked.
Calum looked on, seemingly unmoved by his father’s reaction.
‘Who to? Me or Mum?’
‘To both of you,’ he replied in a strangled voice, wiping his eyes, shoulders shuddering.
And there it was. The apology. Finally. Tara was speechless.
‘I want you to stop, Dad. Stop hurting Mum.’
A charged silence hung in the air.
‘Yes, I hear you, Calum,’ nodded Richard and stood in defeat to leave. He turned before opening the door. ‘I’ll withdraw the application,’ he said, then quietly left.
Tara opened her arms and Calum rushed into them. Holding him tightly, she’d never felt so proud of her boy, who’d suddenly become more a man in both his parents’ eyes.
