You are not responsible for the fact that Grandma smokes or not.
We know, Emma said.
I want you to hear me. That’s the problem of an adult. You don’t have to feel guilty if your grandmother lights a cigarette.
Martha was slowly nodding.
Your mother is right.
That evening, after the kids went to their rooms, I was left alone with Martha.
I opened the window.
The smell of smoke was still floating in the kitchen.
Why didn’t you tell me?
Because I knew what you were going to say.
- What?
I should have done this years ago.
I kept quiet.
That’s probably exactly what I would have said.
Martha rubbed her hands.
After Harold died, I started smoking more. I know it’s not an excuse.
-
It is not.
-
I know.
He’s looking at the window.
At first, the cigarette was the only thing that made the silence.
