Chapter 10 - EMMA TELLS ME WHAT SHE HEARD
Emma called me from Ashley’s phone.
Or rather, she took Ashley’s phone without permission.
“Aunt Rachel?”
I almost ended the call.
Then heard her voice.
“Hi, Emma.”
“Is Noah mad?”
“He was hurt.”
“I didn’t mean to make him cry that much.”
That sentence.
Not apology yet.
Still seven.
“Why did you smash his cake?”
Silence.
“Emma?”
“Grandma said birthdays make him spoiled.”
My stomach tightened.
“When?”
“Before.”
“Before what?”
“She said you always make Noah special because his dad died.”
I closed my eyes.
“And you?”
“Mom said I never get anything unless you decide I can.”
Children receive adult resentment without understanding currency.
“What did you mean when you said you get all the attention?”
Emma whispered:
“Mom said today was supposed to be my surprise too.”
“What surprise?”
“The iPad.”
Of course.
Noah’s birthday had included an announcement of Emma’s summer academy.
Ashley had planned to give her the iPad at the party.
My son’s birthday doubled as Emma’s reward ceremony.
“Did you think smashing the cake would make everyone look at you?”
“Yes.”
There it was.
Not evil.
Learned behavior.
“Emma, what you did hurt Noah.”
“I know.”
“You should tell him when he’s ready.”
“Will you make him talk to me?”
“No.”
She was quiet.
Then:
“Grandma says you’re taking my camp away.”
“No.”
“Mom says—”
“Adults promised something before making sure they could pay for it.”
“Are you mad at me?”
I thought.
“No.”
“Really?”
“I’m upset about what you did.”
“That’s mad.”
“Okay. I’m mad about what you did. I don’t hate you.”
She started crying.
I understood something terrible.
May you like
Ashley had made resources equal love.
If camp disappeared, Emma believed affection did too.
