Chapter 11
Rosie asked about the bruise three days later.
Not hers.
Bethany’s.
She had overheard adults whispering.
“Daddy, did you hit Aunt Bethany?”
I sat down beside her on the floor.
“Yes.”
Her eyes got big.
“Because she hurt me?”
“Yes.”
She looked at her stuffed rabbit.
“Are you in trouble?”
“I might be.”
“Was it bad?”
I took a breath.
“Yes. Grown-ups shouldn’t hit people unless they are stopping danger. I was angry, and I should have taken you away first.”
She nodded slowly.
“But you came.”
My chest cracked.
“I will always come.”
She leaned against me.
“Mommy would come too?”
“Yes.”
That was when I knew it was time.
I opened Elena’s blue letter with Rosie in my lap.
My hands shook.
Rosie,
If you are reading this, it means you are asking why I am not there.
The words blurred.
I read slowly.
Out loud.
Your daddy loves you with his whole heart. If anyone ever tells you I left because of you, that person is lying. I stayed as long as I could because being your mommy was the happiest part of my life.
Rosie cried quietly.
I did too.
The letter did not mention murder.
It did not mention fear.
It gave Rosie only love.
Elena had hidden the evidence behind it.
But the letter itself was a gift.
At the end, she wrote:
When you miss me, look for me in the brave parts of yourself.
Rosie touched the paper.
“Daddy, am I brave?”
May you like
I held her close.
“Every day.”
