Augustine wrapped his arms around her again, holding her even tighter. "Don't say that. You didn't know. None of this is your fault."
But Anne shook her head, her eyes filled with raw pain. "No… I do know what Patricia and Lorie are capable of. They've always hated me. I hesitated to eat the cupcakes, but I still let Audrey eat them. I should have warned her."
Augustine held her close, murmuring gentle reassurances, though he knew deep down that words alone couldn't erase the guilt tearing through Anne. Her sobs had quieted, but the pain in her eyes lingered. She wouldn't find peace until Audrey opened her eyes and smiled again.
But he couldn't let her stay trapped in that spiral of blame.
"You've cried enough," he said softly, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Look at me."
She did, reluctantly, her eyes swollen and red.
