Chapter 16 - Mom chooses a side
Our mother Elaine struggled the most.
She wanted both daughters at Thanksgiving.
I said no.
“Rachel.”
“No.”
“Vanessa has done everything the court asked.”
“That is not the same as Caleb being ready.”
“Has Caleb said he’s afraid?”
“Yes.”
Mom stopped.
“What?”
“He asked whether she could hit him again if he broke something.”
That silenced her.
Then:
“I didn’t know.”
“You didn’t ask.”
Mom cried.
I felt guilty.
Then angry that I felt guilty.
She said:
“I keep thinking if we don’t get everyone together soon, this becomes permanent.”
“Maybe some things should change permanently.”
“I don’t want to lose a daughter.”
“You don’t have to.”
“But if you won’t come when she’s there—”
“Have two dinners.”
The idea offended her because family holidays were supposed to be unified.
Dad said:
“We can have two dinners.”
Practical man.
Mom glared.
We had two.
Nobody died.
May you like
Tradition survived alteration.
Important discovery.
