Lenora read that one twice.
Then she put it in a drawer.
Maya asked, “Are you going to respond?”
Lenora looked out the office window at rain streaking the glass.
“No.”
“Because you’re angry?”
“Because her guilt is not my assignment.”
Maya nodded. “Good.”
Candace disappeared from public view for a while. Her company kept her but moved her away from client-facing roles. The social circles that once rewarded her confidence now treated her like a liability. She released no more statements.
One afternoon, months later, Lenora received an email from an address she did not recognize.
Miss Harrison,
You don’t owe me anything. I know that. I participated in something cruel because I wanted a life I thought Darnell could give me. I told myself you were weak so I wouldn’t have to feel guilty for hurting you. I was wrong. I am sorry.
Candace.
Lenora stared at it for a long time.
