Chapter 24 - I LOVE AGAIN
I dated cautiously.
Too cautiously.
Eira was twelve before I introduced anyone serious.
Her name was Claire.
She taught landscape architecture.
First evening in the house, she saw the photograph of Eira’s mother.
She said nothing.
Good.
Later she asked me privately:
“Is there anything about how you handle her mother’s memory that you want me to know?”
Excellent question.
I answered:
“Do not compete.”
Claire smiled.
“I don’t plan to.”
Eira took a year to trust her.
Claire never asked to be called Mom.
Never moved photographs.
Never touched the keepsake box without permission.
At fourteen, Eira called her:
“bonus adult.”
Claire considered that a promotion.
We married when Eira was sixteen.
Small ceremony.
No luxury debt.
No trust petitions.
No personal-property cleanout.
The locket remained around Eira’s neck.
Claire helped fasten it before the ceremony.
May you like
No symbolism requested.
Just a clasp.
