ISABEL'S POV

“Words can’t explain how relieved I am at the moment mom,” I said, my voice slow and careful as I eased myself back into the chair. “Since I realized my wrongdoing, there has been this heavy burden on my chest. Knowing that my family was going to hate me for only God knows how long… it hasn’t been easy. I know the others haven’t forgiven me yet, but knowing that you have forgiven me is still a big relief.”

Mom watched me quietly as I spoke, her eyes softening with every word that left my mouth. She nodded slowly, as if weighing everything I had said, then leaned...