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I blink.

“He told you the truth?” Leandra asks.

“Yes.”

“He got help?”

“Yes.”

“He apologized?”

“Yes.”

“He loves you?”

I smile despite myself.

“Very much.”

“And do you love him?”

My smile grows.

“With all my heart.”

Leandra laughs.

“Oh, you're in so much trouble.”

“I know.”

She points her mug at me.

“Listen carefully, Amanda.”

I straighten automatically.

“Forgiveness isn't forgetting.”

I nod.

“It isn't pretending someone didn't hurt you.”

Another nod.

“Forgiveness is choosing whether somebody deserves a second chance.”

My eyes fill again.

“And only you can decide that.”

“I'm scared.”

“Of course you are—you’re not stupid. But sometimes you have to take a chance.”

Then—she winks.

Actually winks.