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Tiffany meets Judith at a meeting three months after Marie’s case finally closes. Judith is quiet, thin and clearly struggling to forgive herself for words she said to a delicate girl. Tiffany knows, too well, how that goes. She remembers it too well. She had lost her sister to one night of angry words, but she would not let Judith drown in self-hatred.
“How is she?”
“She’s okay… mostly.”
Judith sighs, cupping the hot chocolate that Tiffany hands her gratefully. It’s been weeks since she had someone to talk to about it and Tiffany was wise and kind, an understanding person to talk to about everything she’s thinking.
“I just wonder… are we all going to be victims, all of us… or are we ever going to be free?”
“Well, you know it’s difficult…”
Tiffany hesitates, then speaks honestly.
“Women in this world, we’re easy targets when men feel weak, but that doesn’t mean we always lose…”
“I still remember my own…”
“So do I.”
Tiffany’s words get a sigh and a glance, Judith’s voice warm and soft and so loving that Tiffany almost wants to curl into the other woman.
“You make it feel… safer… somehow.”
“Do I?”
“Yes… like… like I’m not alone trying to keep my kids safe.”
“Judith…”
Tiffany sighs then, draining her drink and moving to sit beside Judith, watching her finish her drink before leaning to kiss her softly, the first step she’s ever made beyond their tentative friendship.
“I will always try to keep you and yours safe.”