Chapter 9 — Apology on the Living Room Rug
Rachel reaches out a hesitant hand.
She gently touches the soft pink fabric of Chloe’s pajamas.
I am so sorry, Chloe, Rachel whispers, her voice cracking with deep emotion.
I should have listened to you instead of jumping to conclusions.
Chloe looks up through her tears.
She sniffs softly and wipes her cheek with the sleeve of her shirt.
Rachel pulls Chloe tightly into her arms.
She wraps her arms around the little girl and holds her close.
Chloe buries her face in Rachel’s shoulder.
She lets out a long, shaky breath and hugs her mother back.
Benjamin smiles warmly as he watches the two of them embrace.
He chuckles softly at the chaotic scene around them.
The heavy tension that filled the room just moments ago finally begins to lift away completely.
Rachel presses a gentle kiss to the top of Chloe’s head.
Chloe accepts the hug, clutching her teddy bear once more in her small hands.
Benjamin steps forward and rests a reassuring hand on Rachel’s back.
The family golden retriever wanders back into the center of the living room.
It gives a vigorous shake, sending a fresh spray of tiny water droplets flying through the air.
The golden retriever plops down happily right in the middle of the rug.
It leaves one final muddy smudge directly beside Rachel’s knee.