Chapter 18 - FOOD BECOMES ORDINARY
Leo avoided cupcakes for almost a year.
Not because he hated them.
Because he asked:
“Who says yes?”
Every time.
At school.
Birthday parties.
Restaurants.
I answered patiently.
Then Maya told me:
“Let some other safe adults answer too.”
So his teacher did.
Brenda once did after their relationship improved.
David did.
Different contexts.
One birthday party, Leo was six.
A tray of cupcakes sat on a table.
He asked the host’s mother:
“Can I have one?”
“Yes.”
He took it.
Ate two bites.
Then ran off to play.
He forgot the rest.
I nearly cried.
Maya would have rolled her eyes.
Food becoming boring was the goal.
Evelyn’s influence shrank.
No contact while incarcerated.
Later letters went through lawyers.
I did not read them to Leo automatically.
At nine, he asked:
“Does Grandma write?”
“Yes.”
“Can I see?”
We reviewed with therapist.
First letter:
Leo, I am sorry I slapped you.
Good.
Then:
I was under terrible pressure.
Leo stopped.
“She still does it.”
“What?”
“Makes reason.”
He was right.
Later letters improved.
I hit you because I chose anger and control. Hunger did not cause it. The cupcake did not cause it. You did not cause it.
Leo read that at eleven.
He folded it.
“Better.”
“Do you want to answer?”
“No.”
May you like
Fine.
No forgiveness quota.
