#23: They Finally Let it All Out
Cecelia admitted she could be bossy, stubborn, and far too involved in every arrangement. She said those habits were armor, built after Eleanor’s life shattered and left her carrying guilt no one could lift. Holding the clipboard let her keep the fear at bay.
She had not wanted another young woman to occupy a place Eleanor once filled, so she froze her welcome and tested everything. Getting to know Freya loosened that frost. She saw devotion for her son, steady and simple. She called her judgments mistakes and asked for forgiveness. Freya felt sympathy open, surprising and warm, and reached for Cecelia’s hand.