Chapter 6
Monica moved into an apartment for three months.
She and Dad called it a separation.
Leo called it âMomâs thinking house.â
I liked that better.
During those months, Dad changed the house back.
Not all at once.
Not like erasing Monica.
Like restoring balance.
Momâs photo returned to the living room.
My school calendar went back on the fridge.
Leoâs drawings stayed beside it.
The guest room became a shared project room where Leo built Lego sets and I painted.
Dad made Wednesday dinner non-negotiable.
Even if I was mad.
Even if he was tired.
Even if Leo only wanted cereal.
We ate together.
One Wednesday, Dad placed a small wooden sign by the front door.
THE CARTER-HAYES HOUSE
Carter was my momâs last name.
Hayes was Dadâs.
Leo touched the letters.
âWhat about me?â
Dad smiled.
âYouâre both.â
May you like
Leo beamed.
I cried in the bathroom.
