The knock came just past 4:00 p.m. Velma wasn't expecting anyone but for a split second ,she taught it might be Daniel but when she opened the door it wasn't Daniel, it was his parents. They stepped into her small sitting room like they didn't need an invitation. Velma's throat tightened as she greeted them. They didn't smile, his father remained standing while his mother slowly took a sit. The mother spoke first, "you left my son 4 years ago and when you left you left a broken version of him", her voice was calm . Too calm. " We picked up the pieces and brought peace back into his life and now we are suddenly back ".Velma sat down slowly unsure whether to explain ,defend or listen. His father spoke next deep, voice rumbling" if you wanted to stay ,why did you go in the first place? ".
I thought it was the right thing then",velma replied with steady voice. Daniel's mother tilted her head slightly "so you thought to return now after he had began to breathe again", she asked. Velma stayed quiet. " We chose Olivia for him ,she's been consistent, steady ,she didn't work away when he was at his worst", the mother added. The accusation hung in the air like thick smoke. Then the father leaned forward "If you are here to stay, Velma ,stay but if your heart will shift again ,if you run the moment the fire comes close-..." His gaze bore into her " Then leave now, leave and let him heal completely". Silence settled over the room like dusk. Velma lifted her chin," I didn't come back to play games, I came back because we both realize what we lost and I am not the same girl who left, if I was I wouldn't still be here ",Velma said feeling confident in herself.
The mothers eyes studied her closely searching for cracks but there were none, they left without another word, the door closing behind them gently. Velma sat back down in silence ,heartbeat steady. She wasn't here to be chosen, she wasn't here to fight for a seat at anyone's table ,she was here to stay and this time she would fight with love not guilt.