Chapter 17 - LEO ASKS FOR HIS FATHER
At six, Leo asked to see David without a therapist in the room.
The evaluator did not approve immediately.
Instead, they created a structured visit in a family center with staff nearby.
I waited in another room.
David and Leo built a wooden model airplane.
Afterward, Leo said:
“Daddy didn’t talk about Grandma.”
“That’s good.”
“He asked if I wanted frosting.”
“What?”
“The café had cupcakes.”
My stomach tightened.
“What did you say?”
“No.”
“Was that okay?”
“Yes.”
“Then I had chips.”
Simple.
Choice.
The visit expanded to two hours.
Then afternoons.
No overnight contact yet.
David’s therapist documented his boundaries.
He no longer accepted calls from Evelyn.
She remained incarcerated and sent him letters blaming me.
He stored them unopened.
That was his choice.
He apologized to me once during a custody exchange.
I stopped him.
“We are not doing marriage repair at Leo’s pickup.”
“You’re right.”
That showed more change than the apology might have.
Our divorce finalized when Leo was seven.
I restored my maiden name professionally:
Laura Reed.
Leo chose to remain Leo Bennett.
I never suggested changing it.
“Grandma is Bennett,” he said.
“So is Dad.”
“Do I have to stop being it?”
“No.”
“Then I’m keeping it.”
A surname was not a verdict.
Financially, the divorce separated everything carefully.
My trust remained mine.
Leo’s interests remained independently protected.
David’s lawful marital assets were divided under ordinary rules after restitution.
I did not receive his mother’s property.
He did not receive my father’s trust.
The house we had shared was sold.
I bought a smaller home near Leo’s school.
No family estate.
No gatehouse.
No staff.
At the first dinner there, Leo asked:
“Can I eat dessert first?”
I almost said no automatically.
Then asked:
“Are you actually hungry for dessert first?”
“Yes.”
He ate half a brownie.
Then wanted chicken.
Nutritionally chaotic.
May you like
Emotionally ordinary.
We survived.
