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You’re not listening to me. This is a waste of time.” Tamara stood and snatched her purse and jacket from the chair.
    â€œWhere are you going? We haven’t finished.” Madeline stood and rushed toward Tamara.
    â€œMother, let her go. She needs space, and we have to give it to her,” Don interjected.
    â€œThank you,” Tamara told him.
    Madeline wrapped her hands around both of Tamara’s arms. “Don’t leave. I know we can work this out, if you give us a chance.”
    Tamara wiggled from her mother’s clutches. “There’s nothing to work out.”
    â€œI’ll catch up with you later,” Don told his sister.
    Tamara gave a wave with her back to Don and Madeline as she crossed the threshold. The fog was lifting, and she began thinking more clearly with each stride.
    â€œWell, that didn’t go as planned,” Madeline said, returning to her seat.
    â€œI guess not, Mother,” Don said. “You badgered her again. We keep having the same argument day after day. When are you going to accept the fact that Tamara has her own plans? You can’t strong-arm her into returning. You just can’t. When are you going to see it and leave her alone?”
    â€œOh, so now you’re going to jump on me too?”
    â€œIt’s not like that, and you know it Mother. But I am tired of this constant fighting. I want the best for our family. If she’s happy doing something else, then so be it. Let her do something else. For our sake, let this go.”
    â€œGreat. Both of my children are mad at me. I can’t win.”
    Don walked closer to his mother and placed his hand on her shoulder. His glance locked with hers. “Mother, I know you mean well. I’m sure, deep down, Tamara knows it too, but you have to stop pushing. We’re adults. You’ve done your job in raising us. Trust us to make our own decisions.”
    Madeline attempted to pull away. Why had she fought for decades? Defeat wanted to settle in. Madeline resisted, but her determination was weakening given the inevitability of the situation.
    Don kept his hand gently on her shoulder. “We’ll work this out. As much as you hate waiting, stand back and let God work out a plan for our family. That’s what I’m going to do,” he said.
    â€œYou’re right about my hating to wait. I’m not willing to sit around for the heavens to make my dream a reality. I can handle this on my own.”
    â€œGood luck,” Don said, chuckling as he walked toward her office door. “You’re going to need it.”
    â€œWhere are you going?”
    â€œI’m running to my office for a few minutes. That should give you ample time to call Tamara and apologize.”
    â€œApologize for what? For being a good mother and wanting the best for my daughter? I’m hardly going to apologize for loving my children.”
    â€œFine. Then have it your way. Sit in here and pout while Tamara is out there making plans to leave town.”
    â€œWho said she’s leaving?” Madeline asked as her eyelids widened.
    â€œNobody, but I know what she does. You push and she runs. You’re both so pigheaded. Neither of you are willing to back down and let the other have her say.”
    Madeline grimaced. “Well, what do you want me to say?”
    â€œThat you’ll call Tamara and apologize. It really doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong as long as the two of you keep the lines of communication open and continue to nurture your fragile relationship. Wouldn’t you agree reconciliation is the most important thing?” Don said and then left Madeline to meditate on his words and her dreams.

Chapter 8
    Tamara darted down the street, not sure where she was headed but intent on getting as far away from DMI and Madeline as possible. The buildings were crowding her, choking her plans. She slowed down in front of a coffee shop, went inside, and