I wrapped my arms around my friend.
For several moments, she resisted.
Then her body softened, and she began sobbing against my shoulder.
“We aren’t competing for her love,” I murmured. “You’re her mother. Nothing can replace that.”
“It feels as though I’m failing her.”
“You aren’t failing. You’re carrying what no parent should have to carry.”
She held on more tightly.
“I don’t know how to do this.”
“Neither do I,” I admitted. “But you don’t have to do it alone.”
Behind us, Lily called, “Mom?”
Diane quickly wiped her cheeks and turned.
Lily held out her hand.
“Come here. You need to see Coach Daniels without his hat.”
Diane laughed through her tears.
She crossed the room and sat beside her daughter.
Aaron stood to give her space.
As he moved toward me, I touched his arm.
“You did all of this without telling me.”
