Mrs. Weasley fell silent at once.
The woman's expression slowly changed. There was sadness… but also a strange sense of relief upon hearing Clara's answer.
For the first time since the divorce, Mrs. Weasley saw something in Clara that had nearly been lost.
Self-respect.
Clara no longer sounded like a woman who lived only to be loved by Sean.
And that only made Mrs. Weasley feel even more guilty as a mother.
The woman gave a faint, bitter smile.
"You're right," she said softly. "And perhaps that's a lesson that was too costly for my daughter."
Mrs. Diana snorted lightly. "Too costly? Sean nearly destroyed my daughter's mental state."
Mrs. Weasley lowered her head briefly.
"I know."
There was no more defense.
No excuses.
And that made Mrs. Diana's anger subside slightly, though it hadn't completely vanished.
The atmosphere in the supermarket suddenly felt awkward and silent among the three of them.
Until finally Mrs. Weasley spoke softly again,
