Forgiveness

"I'm sorry", he says 

through clenched teeth 

his apology incomprehensible 

his anger undeniable.

My defense mechanism, 

well-oiled and

ready to fire,

sputters.

My lips are pursed, 

trembling, 

as I bury my weapon

and stare at the linoleum floor.

His scoff resounds

in my head.

 and I look up,

his eyes scan for the closest exit.

A voice.

 soft and devoid of bitterness,

devoid of pain,

ushers forth from my lips.

"I forgive you"

His well-oiled mechanism, 

namely his legs, 

freeze. 

"What?" 

he replies,

baffled.

I smile

and sigh in relief.

"I forgive you,"

"There, was that so hard, you two?"

My mother chimes in from across the room,

Still oblivious to the scars I've concealed.

She has no idea.