Evelyn's POV
Three weeks after Richard's sentencing, Tonia asked if she could take Samuel and Rachel for the weekend.
"Are you sure you are ready?" I asked her.
We sat in my father's living room, watching the kids play with blocks.
"I am ready. My doctor cleared me. My therapist says I am making great progress. And I miss my babies."
I understood. She was their mother. She deserved time with them.
"Okay. But call me if you need anything. Day or night."
Tonia hugged me. "Thank you, Evelyn. For everything. For not hating me, for taking care of my children, for being better than I ever was."
"You are a good mother, Tonia. You just made some bad choices."
"We both did. Richard was very good at making people believe his lies."
After Tonia left with the kids, the house felt too quiet.
