You try to process this on the way home.

After Chris left there was an awkward silence between the four of you. None of you knew what to say. Eventually, a weak goodbye was exchanged, along with confirmation of your regular D&D plans, and you parted ways to head home or out to dinner as the case may be. You and your mother decided to have takeout at home, in light of the stress of meeting Chris again. Your orders to the cashier in the window were the first words either of you spoke since getting back to the car. As you get back on the road your mother breaks the silence.

"Well that was... interesting." she says.

"It's just drive-thru burgers Mom we have them all the time, hardly 'interesting.'" You somehow manage to bring a stupid joke out despite the sheer weirdness of the day. It makes your mother laugh with a sigh, which brightens your mood considerably for a moment.

"Haha very funny," she says. "I'm talking about Chris, he really seemed different. He looks much older, it must've been hard on him in there."

"Good." you reply coldly.

"Don't be cruel." Your mother says sternly, inviting shame into your heart. "He hurt you and I don't think I can forgive him for that but I don't think it's right to gloat over people's misery, just or unjust. That's how he behaved toward you. Isn't it?" You don't really have a response to that. You look down trying to look contemplative rather than guilty.

"I'm sorry," you say, still looking down. "I won't forgive him, but I can understand he's trying to grow up and be a better person."

"You don't have to forgive him or believe in his rehabilitation, just don't take pleasure in his suffering. It's not a good thing to do."

"I understand." You say, weakly. She was right of course. She was always right. You feel your mother's hand touch yours and you interlock your fingers with hers, looking up into her warm smile as she glances at you. As you roll to a stop at a red light, her expression turns thoughtful. She extracts her hand from yours and begins to dig in her purse.

"Something's still bothering me though."

"What is it?" You reply as your mother finds what she's looking for. The card is printed on budget white cardstock with simple black lettering that reads "Christopher Winters" above his personal trainer title and contact info.

"I'm just worried about you like always." She says with a smile glancing at you again. "I wanna be sure your safe with him being back."

"I thought you believed him?"

"I want to see the best in everyone." She replies. As the light turns green, she slips the card back into her purse and begins to accelerate. "I think I may take him up on his offer. If he really is trying to get his life together and move on, we have nothing to fear. If it's all some big trick, I want to try to find out before anything happens."

"What?!" You say, shocked at your mother's idea. "Just get rid of the card. He said we'd never have to see him again. I just want to forget it all!" As you speak your voice grows more and more frantic. Your mom takes your hand in hers again to quiet you.

"Sweetie, it will be alright. Mommy can handle herself. I just want to get a measure of the new Chris. Make sure he really is 'new' Chris."

"Please mom! Don't! Let's just try to forget about him!"

"I can't baby. I need to know you're safe." She says squeezing your hand. You don't suppose you'll be able to talk her out of it and fall silent. As a lawyer, your mother prefers to tackle things head on and cover all her bases. "It'll be alright." She assured you one final time as you pull into the driveway of your home. You head inside and try not to think about your mom's plan while you eat dinner.