Chapter 16 - WHAT I TOLD EIRA ABOUT AINSLEY
At six, Eira asked:
“Did Ainsley hate Mommy?”
I did not know.
So I said:
“I think she felt jealous and threatened by how important your mother still was to us.”
“Same as hate?”
“No.”
“Did she hate me?”
“No.”
That answer I believed.
“She hurt me.”
“Yes.”
“Can love hurt?”
Damn children.
“People who love someone can still make harmful choices.”
“Then love not enough?”
“No.”
She considered.
“Daddy loves me.”
“Yes.”
“Would you slap me?”
“No.”
“Would you sell locket?”
“No.”
“Then your love better.”
I almost laughed.
Instead:
“Love should include safe choices.”
Better.
At eight, she asked about the fraud.
Age-appropriate.
Ainsley sold some things that belonged to you without permission.
“Why?”
“Money and bad judgment.”
“Wedding?”
“Some money went there.”
Eira stared.
“My earrings paid for cake?”
“Not exactly.”
May you like
“Still rude.”
Yes.
