Chapter 24 - Ramona’s Second Chance With Dulcie
The most important repair was not with Nell.
It was between Ramona and her own daughter.
At thirteen, Dulcie asked to join school theater.
Not acting.
Set design.
Ramona said:
“You have such a photogenic face, though.”
Then stopped.
Old reflex.
Dulcie stared.
Ramona corrected:
“Set design sounds good.”
Dulcie laughed.
“Mom.”
“I know.”
Progress can be embarrassing.
Then Dulcie asked:
“Do you wish I still modeled?”
Ramona answered:
“Sometimes.”
Honest.
Dulcie’s face changed.
Ramona continued:
“Because I liked parts of it. That does not mean you should do it.”
Better.
“Do you wish Nell didn’t?”
“Nell doesn’t.”
“She tried.”
“Yes.”
“Were you mad?”
Ramona took a breath.
“Yes.”
Dulcie looked disappointed.
Then Ramona said:
“And I did not act on it.”
That was the actual skill.
People do not stop having every ugly thought.
They stop making children pay for them.
Dulcie nodded.
Then:
“Good.”
She joined set design.
Built a cardboard castle that nearly collapsed during opening night.
Ramona helped carry lumber.
No headshots.
No audition tape.
May you like
No camera-ready.
Just paint.
