Chapter 26 - ROSALIE BECOMES A MOTHER
Rosalie became a mother at thirty-two.
Her daughter was named Clara.
I waited outside the delivery room.
Rosalie chose her husband and doula inside.
No wounded-grandmother performance.
When she texted:
Mom, come in.
I went.
Clara slept against her chest.
I did not reach.
Rosalie smiled.
“You can hold her.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
I took my granddaughter.
Warm.
Tiny.
No one had to explain permission.
That night Rosalie asked:
“Did Lucinda think being Grandma meant she had rights over me?”
“Yes.”
“Do you ever worry you’ll become her?”
“Sometimes.”
She looked surprised.
“Really?”
“People don’t become controlling because they wake up deciding to be villains. They usually decide they know what is best.”
Rosalie nodded.
“So ask?”
“Yes.”
“Every time?”
“When it matters.”
She smiled.
“Can you change Clara’s diaper?”
I laughed.
“That feels like exploitation.”
“Consent?”
“Yes.”
May you like
“Granted.”
I changed it.
