Chapter Forty-Seven

I threw myself into Mom’s outstretched arms, and we hugged and cried together for a long time. When we finally broke apart and sat on the sofa calming ourselves, she said, “I loved your dad and was very happily married to him. I thought I had grieved his loss years ago, but today it feels as fresh as the day we agreed we had to stop seeing each other. I’m so sorry he didn’t get to live a good long life.” She sighed and shook her head. “He never seemed to get much of a break. I hope he has peace now.”

She made tea and we moved to her kitchen table. She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “While I’m sad for your father, I’m feeling hopeful for us.”

I wrapped my hands around my cup of tea, feeling its warm hug. “How so?”

“The blood atonement my father swore on me if I ever left Redemption to live with your dad is over. I’m free now, free to leave with you. My father is old and feeble. I’m not afraid of him anymore, or the Bishop. They have no control over us anymore.”

“Brighten and her baby are on their way to Nkwala with Jean,” I said. “We don’t have to worry that the Bishop might do something to her anymore, either. On top of that, I’ve done something to ensure that the Bishop leaves us alone once and for all.”

“What’ve you done?”

“Wait until it’s all in place, then I’ll tell you the whole story. I just have one more little detail to iron out.”

Mom smiled wearily and dabbed her eyes with a Kleenex. “For the first time in years I feel real hope—hope for the future, hope for both of us. I’ve started to fantasize about doing things I’ve always wanted to do. I could have a real job; one I enjoy and that pays me a proper wage. I could travel, go to concerts and theatres. I could practically live at the library.”

We both laughed at the image. “I’d love it if you came and lived with me in Nkwala. You could start over and build your own life as you want it. And we’ve got a fantastic library there. You’ll love Miss Braid.” I got up and wrapped my arms around her. “Pack up your things and we’ll leave tomorrow with Jean and Saffron.”

“I don’t have much I want to take from here. I’ll be so happy to leave it all behind.”

She took a long, slow breath. “Daisy, after you were born, it took me a while before the reality of being a mother really sank in. I clearly remember the day I realised that for the rest of my life, I would be responsible for you, that I’d need to protect you, no matter what. I’ve had to make some very hard choices, like losing your father. I feel like today is my vindication for all the tough choices I’ve made.”

I kissed her cheek tenderly. “I know that, Mom, and I love you. We’ll be out of this awful place soon. I just have one last thing to do, and then we’ll be free to go. Lock your door while I’m gone and don’t let anyone in. I’ll be back before you know it.”