The Age of Elizabeth

"I told you, Katie. It was a failed white relationship. I wish you'd listened to me," Elizabeth said, rubbing her daughter's back as she sobbed against her.

"I just didn't expect her to be ... such a slut!" Katie cried out.

"Look," Elizabeth said, sighing. "We're all on a journey on this Earth. Sometimes that journey is together. Sometimes that journey is apart. Douglas and I had some good years together. This house ... this house is a remnant of those good years. But it isn't Douglas's house anymore. It's Jordan's house. Jordan is the head of household, Jordan sets the rules. And I have thrived with Jordan like I never thrived with your father. Not because your father wasn't a good man. He wasn't the right man. Jordan is. But you can't judge someone else's journey. I'm not going to be the first to cast a stone at Do -- Dana, because I've been through trials and tribulations too. You may have anger in your heart, my sweet child, but you need to learn to forgive. I forgave him a long time ago, because otherwise I'd still be trapped in an unhappy marriage. And instead, both because of him and in spite of him, I'm happy. And I raised you, and I'm exceptionally proud of you."

Katie's sobs stilled. It was the truth, she knew.

"Thanks, Mom."