“And I’m terribly proud of you.” It knocks the wind out of me. Slowly, I shake my head. “Why?” “You handled everything well, especially under stressful conditions. It could’ve rattled you more, and you could’ve said worse to provoke him. You tried your best I truly believe. So…um, I…” She sounds flustered, and I almost smile because she’s mostly only like this with me. “I’m very, very proud of you. Which I’ve already said, but it doesn’t hurt to say twice.” I hear her blow out a measured breath. More quietly, she asks, “Are you still there?” “Yeah.” My pulse slows. “Thanks, honey.”
