Chapter 14 - Vaughn Leaves
Vaughn filed for legal separation.
Then divorce.
Not because I demanded.
He said:
“I can’t keep calling myself the reasonable one while letting her make every unreasonable decision.”
Good line.
Then less poetic:
“I’m tired.”
Also good.
Property split.
House.
Retirement.
No secret money.
Marjorie had not stolen from him.
They simply ended a marriage.
He rented a condo.
Bought a terrible couch.
Ione loved it.
She called it “Grandpa’s marshmallow.”
Vaughn asked to see her.
I hesitated.
Dr. Anita evaluated.
He admitted:
“I saw too much and asked too little.”
He did not defend.
First visit supervised by me.
Ione asked:
“Did you know laundry?”
He said:
“One night I knew you were sleeping near there. I should have moved you and called Dad.”
“Why no?”
“I was afraid of fighting Grandma.”
Ione stared.
“You’re big.”
Vaughn laughed sadly.
“Yes.”
“Still scared?”
“Yes.”
That answer interested her.
Then:
“Are you scared Dad?”
“No.”
“Mom?”
“Sometimes.”
I said:
“Excuse me?”
Ione laughed.
Normality entered.
May you like
No immediate overnight visits.
Later.
