Matthew
"I had a feeling this would happen," her mother says.
Sarah flinches as if she's been slapped, and I feel a surge of anger rise up my spine.
"Mom," Sarah whispers, her voice small. "Please, not now."
"Evelyn," her father warns, giving his wife a sharp look.
But Sarah's mother just smooths her immaculate skirt, her expression unmoved. "What? I'm simply stating facts. The way Sarah handles herself...sauntering around without a care in the world. No expecting mother should ever..."
I stand up so quickly that my chair nearly topples. "Evelyn, with all due respect, you should leave."
Sarah's mother draws back. "Excuse me? I am her mother."
"Then act like it," I reply, my voice dangerously quiet. "Sarah doesn't need this right now."
"How dare you?" Evelyn barks.
"Mom, please," Sarah pleads.
I clench my jaw.
Sarah's father steps between us, hands raised placatingly. "He's right, Evelyn. Sarah needs rest, not stress."
