Amanda nodded.
“Yes. And that was wrong. Your skin is beautiful, Sophie. I was the one thinking about things the wrong way.”
Sophie looked down at her hands.
“I know.”
“Then why didn’t you want people to see me?”
Amanda’s face crumpled.
For a moment, I thought she’d try to explain herself again.
Instead, she said, “I don’t have a good reason. I was selfish, and I hurt you. I’m sorry.”
Sophie remained silent.
Amanda wiped her cheeks.
“You don’t have to forgive me today. I just wanted you to know that you did nothing wrong.”
After a while, Sophie asked, “Can I go finish my drawing?”
“Of course,” I said.
She went upstairs.
Amanda watched her leave.
“I really hurt her.”
“Yes, you did.”
My sister nodded.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make things better.”
“Start by giving her time.”
And to Amanda’s credit, she did.
