Chapter 25 - Christine comes home
Christine moved home one year and three months after the hospital.
Not because Jake asked.
He did not.
Not because court ordered.
It did not.
Because months of behavior supported it.
She had rebuilt trust with Jake through ordinary things.
School pickup.
Homework.
Movie nights.
Listening when he said no.
One day Jake hurt his wrist playing basketball.
Minor sprain.
Christine said:
“Do you want ice?”
He said:
“No.”
Old Christine might have insisted.
She asked:
“Doctor?”
“No.”
“Tell me if it gets worse.”
Then left him alone.
Later he asked for ice.
Tiny moment.
Huge.
When Christine brought boxes back into the house, Jake stood in the hallway.
“You staying?”
She said:
“If you and Dad are okay with it.”
Jake looked at me.
I nodded.
Then:
“Grandpa never comes here.”
Christine answered immediately:
“No.”
No hesitation.
May you like
Jake moved aside.
That was our homecoming.
