Chapter 12 - THE FIRST VISIT
Three months passed before Lily said she wanted to see Grandma.
Not at Mom’s house.
Not alone.
A park.
One hour.
Emily agreed.
So did I.
Mom arrived early.
No gifts.
That surprised me.
She sat on a bench.
When Lily approached, Mom stood.
Then stopped herself from rushing forward.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Lily stayed beside Emily.
“Hi.”
Mom looked at Emily.
Her eyes filled.
“May I say something?”
Emily nodded.
Mom took a breath.
“I am sorry I hit you.”
“I was wrong.”
“I am sorry I allowed Vanessa to insult you for years.”
“I was wrong about that too.”
Emily said.
“Thank you.”
Nothing more.
Mom turned to Lily.
“I scared you.”
Lily nodded.
Mom flinched but continued.
“I’m sorry.”
“Grown-ups are not supposed to hit people because they’re angry.”
Lily asked.
“Are you still angry?”
Mom smiled sadly.
“Sometimes.”
“What do you do now?”
Mom glanced at me.
Then answered.
“I leave the room.”
“I call my counselor.”
“I write things down before I say them.”
Lily considered that.
Then asked.
“Do you still think Mommy is trailer trash?”
I nearly stopped breathing.
Children do not protect adults from consequences.
Mom’s face collapsed.
“No.”
“Did you before?”
Long pause.
“Yes.”
Emily looked down.
Mom continued.
“That was ugly and wrong.”
“I thought where someone came from told me who they were.”
“I was wrong.”
Lily nodded.
Then sat beside her on the bench.
Not close.
May you like
But beside.
The bridge gained one plank.
