Maya didn't even flinch at the hostility radiating from her guest. "You're welcome to stay for breakfast," she said. "If not, you can see yourself out. I'll deal with this after I've spoken to him."
She offered a final nod. "Thank you for coming, Iris."
Without waiting for a reply, Maya calmly turned and walked toward the dining room. To her, family matters stayed within the family. She would never let someone as emotional as Iris interfere or decide what should be done.
Standing in the foyer, Iris felt the weight of her failure. She didn't leave right away. She lingered, staring at where Maya had disappeared, her breath heavy with anger and disbelief.
She couldn't understand how Maya could stay so calm.
After standing there for a while and realizing Maya wouldn't even look at her, Iris finally turned and left.
But Maya's silence wasn't ignorance.
