AUTHOR'S POV
Phyllis sat across from Marina in the Volkov living room, her posture straight and her hands neatly folded in her lap. "I came to apologize," she explained softly. "For how I behaved in the hospital. I should not have spoken to you the way I did. I was out of my mind with grief." Marina's response was immediate, and she reached across the table to take Phyllis's hand.
"There is nothing to apologize for," she explained. "I understand. Any mother would have responded in the same manner. It is behind us." Phyllis nodded, lowering her gaze in apparent relief.
Marina couldn't see or feel the anger that was vibrating beneath Phyllis's calm exterior. The resentment sat in her chest like a living creature, coiled and patient.
Phyllis had questioned herself as she drove here. She h
