Chapter 23 - FATHER AND SON
Emmett told Merrick the full age-appropriate truth when Merrick turned fifteen.
Not because fifteen is magical.
Because Merrick asked.
They sat at our kitchen table.
I stayed because Merrick wanted me there.
“Did you sign because of money?”
Emmett took a breath.
“Yes, partly.”
“How much?”
“I had financial interests in the property company and my job benefited if the Harrow business relationships stayed strong.”
“Were you poor?”
“No.”
“Did you need the money?”
“No.”
That answer hurt.
Good.
Merrick continued.
“Did you think St. Alden would actually help?”
“Yes.”
“Did you think Mom would say no?”
“Yes.”
“So why not ask?”
Emmett looked at him.
“Because I had spent my life believing disagreement with my mother was dangerous.”
Merrick stared.
“Was it?”
“Emotionally, yes. Financially, less than I imagined.”
“Would she hurt you?”
“No.”
“Fire you?”
“Maybe.”
“You could get another job.”
“Yes.”
Merrick shook his head.
“So you were scared of being uncomfortable.”
Emmett closed his eyes.
“Yes.”
Children can reduce adult cowardice to the correct size.
Then Merrick asked:
“Did you know she was going to throw me out of the chair that day?”
“No.”
“Do I believe you?”
“I hope so.”
“I do.”
Emmett cried.
Merrick did not hug him immediately.
A few minutes later, he asked:
“Want to shoot baskets?”
They went outside.
May you like
Repair did not happen in speeches.
It happened in what people did after them.
