Chapter 18 - THE DAY JASON GAVE ETHAN THE AIRPLANE
Jason waited another six months.
He brought the wooden airplane to Ethan’s thirteenth birthday.
The model was not identical to the one he broke.
It was smaller.
The paint lines were uneven.
One wing leaned slightly downward.
Jason placed it on the table.
“I made this.”
Ethan looked at it.
“I know.”
“Mom kept it.”
“I know that too.”
Jason swallowed.
“I broke yours because I wanted to hurt you.”
“I was angry at Rachel.”
“I was angry at my dad.”
“I was angry that your family looked easier.”
“It wasn’t easier,” Ethan said.
“No.”
“I know that now.”
Jason touched the wing.
“You do not have to keep it.”
Ethan studied him.
“Did you make it because Dad told you?”
“No.”
“Because your mom told you?”
“No.”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
Jason’s eyes filled with tears.
“Are we okay?”
“No.”
Ethan’s answer was calm.
Jason looked down.
Then Ethan continued.
“But we’re better.”
That was enough.
They did not hug.
They ate cake.
Later, they played basketball in the driveway.
Ordinary moments began replacing dramatic ones.
The replacement airplane remained on Ethan’s bookshelf.
May you like
Not as proof that the damage had disappeared.
As proof that responsibility could exist without guaranteed forgiveness.
