The Greatest Regret
He stumbled backward, losing his footing and falling to the ground.
Alarmed, I rushed to shield Yael behind me.
Silas's anger shifted to me, his voice booming like thunder. "Lena, is this the son you’ve raised? It’s no surprise he’s good for nothing!"
I felt Yael tug gently on the hem of my shirt behind me. His voice was weak and hesitant, but after a moment, he stammered, "I… I… I didn’t."
Relief and heartbreak washed over me simultaneously. He had spoken—finally—but how much fear and injustice had he endured to utter those words?