“You know, Zere,” I say. “We are both women trying our best and doing big things against the odds. You won’t ever catch me tearing someone else down, especially not another woman, and most especially not another Black one. I don’t want to be at odds with you. I grew up in church, and for the benediction we used to say all hearts and minds clear. I’m telling you that my heart and my mind are clear as relates to you. I hope, in time, we can repair what has been broken between us, but if we never do, I still wish you the best in all things.”
