I overhear the fight.
I hear Ronald screaming, and Alexander fighting back.
I hear the words “liability” and “bastard” and my heart breaks.
When Alexander walks out, I follow him.
“Alexander.
Alexander, wait.”
He stops.
He turns.
His face is hard, but his eyes are soft.
“Mom.”
“I heard.
He nods.
“He’s not going to change.”
“I know.” I pause.
“I want to meet her.
Sophie.
My granddaughter.”
He studies me.
“Why?”
“Because I’ve been a coward my whole life.
I’ve let Ronald control me.
I don’t want to be that person anymore.
I want to be Sophie’s grandmother.”
He’s quiet for a long moment.
Then he nods.
“Okay.
I’ll talk to Lily.”
“Thank you.” I reach out and squeeze his hand.
“I’m proud of you, Alexander.
For fighting for them.”
I think of Sophie; the granddaughter I’ve never met.
The granddaughter I never knew existed.
And I know, with every fiber of my being, that I will do whatever it takes to be a part of her life.