Chapter 13 - THE MOTHER WHO HAD TO LIVE IN THE HOUSE WITHOUT CONTROL
Margaret remained at Blake House.
But the house changed.
No major spending without Daniel approval.
No borrowing.
No trust accounts under her signature.
She hated asking.
That was probably useful.
Savannah visited once after a year.
The library smelled the same.
Margaret looked smaller at the desk.
“You came.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To get Dad’s medals.”
They sat in silence.
Then Margaret said:
“I’m sorry.”
Savannah almost laughed.
“For which daughter?”
Margaret flinched.
Good.
Then:
“For using your signature.”
Waited.
“For letting Fallon hurt you.”
Waited.
“For stepping aside.”
That was the one.
Savannah looked at her.
“Why did you?”
Margaret stared at the window.
“Because if I stopped Fallon publicly, she would have hated me.”
Savannah felt cold.
“So you let her humiliate me.”
“Yes.”
“Because I’d survive.”
Margaret’s eyes filled.
“Yes.”
There.
The reliable child again.
Savannah said:
“I did survive.”
Margaret nodded.
“That doesn’t make it less wrong.”
Good.
Then Margaret asked:
“Do you hate this house now?”
Savannah looked around.
“No.”
“Do you want it?”
“No.”
That surprised her.
Margaret laughed softly.
“All of that.”
“Yes.”
“For a house neither of you wants.”
“It was never only the house.”
“No.”
Control.
Preference.
Fear.
Status.
Permission.
The house just held it.
Then Savannah took Andrew’s medals.
Before leaving, Margaret said:
“Fallon is doing better.”
Savannah smiled faintly.
“I know.”
“You talk?”
“Sometimes.”
Margaret looked relieved.
Savannah stopped.
“That is not for you.”
Margaret’s face fell.
Good boundary.
Sisters repairing was not proof Margaret had repaired them.
Then Savannah left.
May you like
Margaret did not follow.
Progress.
