He swallowed.“She cried so hard I could barely understand her.”
Then he looked toward the back of the gym.
He said, “She’s here.”
Everyone turned.
She stood by the doors with one hand covering her mouth, already in tears.
I broke down completely. I did not care that people were watching.
That was when Patrick stood.
He said, trying to keep his voice low, “You do not understand adult matters.”
Caleb answered without hesitation. “I understand enough.”
Patrick said, “That side of the family always looked down on us. I was protecting this family. I was protecting our peace.”
Caleb stared at him for one long second.
Then he said, “No. You were protecting your place.”
The whole gym seemed to feel that one.
Patrick looked around as if he expected someone to defend him.
No one did.
Caleb stepped down from the stage.
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