Sonia feels her legs begin to sway, but she manages to look her father in the eye and speak without

Sonia feels her legs begin to sway, but she manages to look her father in the eye and speak without faltering. 

“We all need to sit down and have this conversation,” she says. “The four of us. You and Mum, and Violet and I. It can’t wait any longer.”

Behind her, Violet slowly exhales. Sonia is achingly conscious of the  warmth and scent of Violet’s skin, the strength and softness of her body, the rapid beating of her own heart. For one delirious moment she is weightless, her soul soaring on a tide of joy and freedom. Then she hears her mother’s gasp of anguish and sees the depth of the disgust in her father’s eyes, and she lands back in reality with a sickening thud.

“We will be doing nothing of the kind,” says Frank, his eyes bulging. “You and your…your friend are guests in our house, and are therefore under an obligation to respect our beliefs and standards of behaviour. And one thing we believe in very strongly is the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. Discussions about sexual perversions and immorality will not be tolerated. Do you understand?”
“Well, I want you to understand something too. Roy and I are getting a divorce, ” says Sonia. “And Violet and I love each other.“ 

She doesn’t dare look at Estelle. She can hear her sobs, and the sound chills her bones.

"You are going to kill your mother,” says Frank. “I hope you’re happy.”
“Dad, please-”
“Haven’t you caused enough damage?” says Frank. “Please leave. Now.”

Sonia doesn’t move.

“NOW,” shouts Frank. Sonia trembles and moves towards the stairs. She stops at the top and holds her hand out for Violet to take. They walk out together, hand in hand, into the fresh air and the sunshine.

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