Chapter 21 - THE HOUSE AFTER LEO
Helena’s rooms remained empty.
Not stripped.
Not burned.
Empty.
Her personal belongings had been moved to her townhouse under supervised arrangements before Leo came home.
Marina did not live with us.
Staff instructions changed.
Every visitor required Celeste or me to approve.
No family override.
The first week was messy.
Leo slept badly.
Celeste recovered from surgery.
I learned that a man who could negotiate a thirty-million-dollar property deal could still hold a diaper backward.
Celeste laughed until her incision hurt.
“Stop making me laugh.”
“You’re the one laughing.”
“Because you put the tabs in front.”
“I know that now.”
Normal humiliation.
Useful.
Then Helena’s criminal case approached trial.
Celeste wanted to testify.
I asked:
“Are you sure?”
She looked at me.
I stopped.
“Sorry.”
She smiled faintly.
“Learning.”
Slowly.
Then Marina.
She requested one supervised visit with Leo after six weeks.
Celeste said no.
Marina accepted.
No pleading.
No mother sending messages.
Then three months.
Celeste considered.
Not yet.
May you like
That was allowed.
Trust does not follow a calendar just because someone completed counseling.
