Chapter 23 - NOAH AND EMMA
Noah did not see Emma for eight months.
His choice mattered.
At six, he eventually asked:
“Is Emma still mean?”
I said:
“She did something mean.”
“Same thing.”
“Not always.”
He rolled his eyes.
Children dislike nuance.
Their first meeting happened in family therapy.
Emma was eight by then.
She held a paper bag.
Inside:
A superhero figurine.
Not replacement cake.
Good.
“I’m sorry I smashed your cake.”
Noah said nothing.
“I wanted everybody to look at me.”
He looked at her.
“They did.”
“I know.”
“You laughed.”
“I know.”
“Your mom laughed.”
Emma looked down.
“I know.”
Then Noah:
“Do you still get all the attention?”
Emma almost smiled.
“No.”
“Good.”
The therapist suppressed a laugh.
So did I.
Noah took the figurine.
May you like
He did not hug her.
No one asked.
