That evening, when Charlene got home after workingte, she found Jasmine visiting.


    Tugging at her sleeve, Jasmine timidly apologized for losing her and Thorne''s marriage certificate.


    Charlene froze for a second, surprised that Jasmine had actually managed to lose it.


    She pressed her lips together, about to say something, but then she looked down at Jasmine''s face—a picture of guilt and fear of her anger. Taking a deep breath, Charlene swallowed her reprimand and said instead, "If it''s lost, it''s lost. But from now on, don''t take important documents or other valuables from the house to school without permission. Do you understand?"


    Seeing that Charlene wasn''t angry, the tension Jasmine had been holding all day finally melted away. She hugged Charlene and nodded obediently. "I understand. I promise I won''t do anything like this again without asking you or Dad first."


    As Jasmine''s mood brightened, Charlene let the matter drop but added, "You need to tell your father about this, too."


    "I know. I already sent him a message, but he must still be on the ne. He hasn''t replied yet."


    Later, while Jasmine was in the bathroom, Charlene''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Thorne: [Sorry.]


    Charlene didn''t reply.


    Soon, a second message arrived: [I might not be back for a while.]


    She saw it but still didn''t respond.


    The room was quiet. After a moment, another message came through: [I saw Minnie''s message. When I get back, we''ll find time to get the certificate reced.]


    Charlene remained still.


    Perhaps sensing how truly angry she was this time, Thorne sent onest apology: [Sorry.]


    He was far away in Golnd, unable toe back and finalize the divorce. Words were useless now.


    In the end, Charlene didn''t type a single word in response.


    Thorne didn''t message her again. However, just then, Jasmine''s phone, which she had left nearby, started ringing. It was a call from Thorne.


    Jasmine had just stepped out of the


    bathroom Seeing Thorne''s name on


    the screen, she happily grabbed tissue to dry her hands and


    tissue t


    answered on speakerphone. Dad, did yound in Golnd?"


    "I did," Thorne''s voice came through the phone.


    "About the marriage certificate," he continued, "did you apologize properly to your mother?"


    "Of course! You can ask her if you don''t believe me." Jasmine held the phone out to Charlene.


    Charlene gently pushed it away. "You two talk. Your father and I just spoke."


    "Oh, okay."


    On the other end, Thorne heard what she said but didn''t question her


    about the unanswered texts.


    Instead, he echoed her earlier warning to Jasmine telling her not to take things from the house without asking.


    Jasmine readily agreed. "I know, Dad. You''re starting to nag."


    After a few more words, Thorne ended the call, but not before adding, "Tell your


    mother goodnight for me too."


    Jasmine nced at Charlene, who was sitting nearby. "I have you on


    speakerphone. Mom heard you."


    "Good," Thorne said, and the call disconnected.


    But as the line went dead, Charlene


    watched Jasmine and slowly


    lowered her gaze. When apologizing to her and Thorne about the certificate, Jasmine had been so timid so afraid of making her angry.


    Yet with Thorne, she showed no such fear at all.