Tilly finally understood. As hard as it was to hear, the truth gave her a sense of peace. "When did all this happen?"
"About eighteen months ago. I thought it was best to keep my routine going afterward, to stay sane, but the firm finally asked me to take a leave of absence. I guess I wasn't able to keep up. I spent a lot of time staring out the window at grey skies. It was depressing everybody."
"Alexis, I'm so sorry." Her mother cupped her chin. "It's a terrible loss, but believe me when I tell you that you are strong." She looked her daughter in the eye. "And I don't think that's only my perception. If you really want to, you'll find a way to stop blaming yourself and live your life. Mark would want that."
Alexis slumped into Tilly's arms, feeling unburdened, and allowed herself to be comforted by her mother for the first time since childhood.