« Sarah? What happened? »
I started crying and explained everything.
When I finished, she looked stunned.
« Jacob told me his business was failing. »
« What happened? »
I nodded.
« We lent you mortgage money because we thought you’d lose your home. »
Mom squeezed my hand.
« You couldn’t have known he was lying, sweetheart. »
I wiped my eyes.
« I keep thinking about Emma putting those boots back. »
My mom stood up.
I wiped my eyes.
« Come on, » she said.
« Where? »
« To buy my granddaughter some boots. »
I started crying again.
We took the kids along and returned with boots for Emma, diapers for Oliver, and candy for all the children.
Mom wouldn’t let me pay.
« Come on. »
But buying those things didn’t solve the problem.
I needed Jacob to tell me the truth.
***
That evening, I waited until the children were asleep.
My husband was watching television.
I sat beside him.
