We sat in the car for a long time without a word. I put the key in the ignition but didn’t turn it on. Neither of us put on our safety belts.
Finally I broke the silence. ‘Well, that could have gone better.’
She took out a hanky from her handbag and wiped her eyes. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin Christmas. It’s just your father. He’s…’
‘He’s a difficult man.’
‘Very,’ she agreed. ‘I tried not to let him get to me.’
‘I know you did.’
‘When he said those things about immigrants, I pretended not to hear.’
‘I noticed.’
‘And when he went on about women’s rights, I totally ignored it.’
‘You did. I was impressed.’
‘But the stuff he was saying about homelessness. Did you hear it?’
‘Yes. I was there.’
‘About how ugly they make everywhere. How they should be rounded up and locked away in internment camps.. I just couldn’t take it any more.’
‘I understand.’
’I really am sorry.’
I sighed. ‘Oh forget it. It’s not the worst family Christmas I’ve ever had. Far from it. At least we got to finish dinner before we had to go.’
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