Chapter 23 - MARGOT LEARNS THE SIMPLE VERSION
Margot was seven when she first asked why she did not see Grandma Celeste.
Children notice absences.
We gave the simple version.
“Grandma hurt Mom before you were born and made dishonest papers about who would take care of you.”
Margot frowned.
“Why?”
“She wanted Aunt Camille to be your parent.”
“But you Mom.”
“Yes.”
“Dad knew?”
Stellan answered.
“I knew Grandma was making family-care papers. I did not know she had forged Mom’s name or planned everything she planned. I also should have asked more questions.”
Margot looked at him.
“You were adult.”
“Yes.”
“So why not?”
“I was used to letting Grandma handle things.”
“That’s dumb.”
“Yes.”
Then:
“Did Aunt Camille know?”
I answered.
“She knew I had not agreed and still participated.”
Margot thought.
“Do they love me?”
Stellan looked at me.
I answered:
“Yes.”
“Then love bad?”
“No.”
“Then?”
May you like
“Love does not give someone permission to decide your life for you.”
She accepted that better than adults had.
