Chapter 24 - THE CHILDREN
Connor apologized first.
He was twelve by then.
Sophie nine.
Therapeutic meeting.
“I called you a freeloader.”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
Sophie stared.
“Did you think I was?”
Connor shook his head.
“Mom said your mom pays for everything and still expects Grandma to babysit.”
Sophie frowned.
“My mom paid Grandma.”
“I know now.”
“Then why?”
Connor looked miserable.
“I wanted Mom to laugh.”
That answer again.
Madison cried before speaking.
“I said you were a baby.”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t know Grandma would make you leave.”
“I know.”
Sophie did not hug either cousin.
No one asked.
Later she told me:
“I’m still mad.”
“Allowed.”
“Can I see them at school stuff?”
“Yes.”
“Not Grandma’s house.”
“Okay.”
Boundaries became specific.
May you like
Not all-or-nothing family exile.
That was healthier than anything I would have chosen during the first month.
