Chapter 14 - MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
Claire did not move back into Ethan’s bedroom.
She did not even move back into the house.
She rented an apartment fifteen minutes away.
Emily visited first with a therapist.
The reunion was awkward.
Emily stared.
Claire cried.
Emily did not.
Then asked:
“Why didn’t you come home?”
Claire could have blamed Margaret entirely.
She did not.
“I was hurt and confused for a long time.”
Emily waited.
“And later?”
Claire swallowed.
“Later I was scared.”
“Of Grandma?”
“Yes.”
“Of Dad?”
“Of what Dad would think. Of what you would think.”
Emily looked down.
“So you stayed away?”
“Yes.”
The child’s face tightened.
“That hurt me.”
Claire nodded.
“I know.”
No:
I had no choice.
No:
You’ll understand someday.
Just:
“I know.”
Emily asked to leave after thirty minutes.
May you like
Claire let her.
Love did not entitle Claire to immediate closeness after four years of absence.
