Rosalynn bit her lip and explained, “She’s got it wrong. She thinks I’m tainted and I’ll be the ruin of Brian.”
Gail let out a deep sigh after a moment’s reflection.
“Noemi’s a close friend of mine. Her behavior might stem from her own marital woes.”
She paused before continuing, “I suppose I can see where she’s coming from. Her overprotectiveness towards Brian probably
comes from a place of guilt. You’re aware that Brian was once poisoned, so she’s always on edge.”
Rosalynn remained quiet.
She could sympathize with Noemi’s instinct to protect her son, but not with the actions it spurred.
Regardless, she knew harming others to fulfill one’s objectives was unjust.
“You were quite bold to retaliate without even a word to Brian, weren’t you?” Gail noted Rosalynn’s silence and questioned her, a
hint of a smile in her tone.
Rosalynn admitted, “I was so incensed at that moment. There was no time to consult him.”
Above all, she believed that if she had brought it up, he would have surely forbidden her from retaliating.
And if she held back, Barlow would have taken it upon himself to respond.
If Barlow intervened, the situation could spiral.
It was better to give Noemi a lesson herself.
So, she took action and chose to seek understanding rather than permission.
“You two must have butted heads over this, didn’t you?” Gail inquired.
Rosalynn’s lips formed a tight line as she remained silent.
Gail’s smile emerged, teasing, “You appear serene, yet there’s a fiery temper beneath, reminiscent of a young Noemi.”
Was her temper really akin to Noemi’s?
That couldn’t be the case!
Rosalynn’s brow creased in objection.
“I am not as illogical as her.”
Gail’s laughter spilled out, unrestricted.
“I’m not saying your actions were incorrect. However, acting without consulting Brian isn’t quite right.
“Keep in mind, she’s your mother-in-law, your husband’s mom. You should take Brian’s emotions into account, shouldn’t you?”