Chapter 17
Years softened things.
Not erased.
Softened.
Lily grew into a careful, funny child who loved science and hated grape medicine.
Mara loved painting.
Claire opened a small studio where she taught adaptive art classes.
Rachel got married and cried through her own vows because Lily called her “bonus grandma aunt,” which made no sense and perfect sense.
I dated no one for a long time.
Then I met Daniel at a courthouse training.
He was a legal aid attorney.
Kind.
Patient.
He asked questions and listened to answers.
When he met Lily, she asked, “Do you believe kids?”
He crouched to her level.
“Yes.”
“Even little kids?”
“Especially little kids.”
She studied him.
Then nodded.
“Okay.”
It took another year before I let him close.
He never complained.
He never pushed.
The first time he came for dinner, Mara spilled juice and froze.
Daniel picked up a towel and said, “Spills happen.”
Mara looked at Lily.
Lily whispered, “Safe.”
I heard it.
So did Claire.
May you like
We both cried in the kitchen.
Daniel pretended not to notice until I handed him tissues.
