Chapter 10 - My parents choose Bethany
My parents came to the hospital the next morning.
I refused to let them into Rosie’s room.
Mom cried in the hallway.
Dad did not.
He said:
“You assaulted your sister.”
I stared at him.
“You threw a glass at my daughter.”
“At you.”
“She was in my arms.”
“I wasn’t aiming at Rosie.”
That answer still makes my jaw tighten.
Mom said:
“Bethany says Rosie misunderstood what happened.”
“Her face?”
Mom looked away.
“Bethany says Rosie struck the sink when she tried to leave.”
That was not Bethany’s eventual statement.
Apparently stories were already being revised.
Then Dad said:
“You’ve always treated Bethany like she’s unstable.”
“No. I’ve treated her like someone who needs to be responsible for herself.”
“Same judgment, nicer words.”
I realized the conversation was useless.
I told them:
“Do not contact Rosie.”
Mom whispered:
“We’re her grandparents.”
“Not right now.”
Dad stepped toward me.
“Don’t threaten us with our own granddaughter.”
I answered:
“I’m protecting my child.”
He said:
“From family?”
May you like
“Yes.”
That ended it.
