Chapter 22 - Diane’s apology
Diane apologized in person.
Eli was six.
Therapist’s office.
I sat nearby.
Diane looked older.
Not physically much.
Emotionally.
“Eli, Grandma did something wrong.”
He held a plastic dinosaur.
“What?”
“When Aunt Lena sprayed you, I laughed.”
He looked at her.
“Why?”
Diane swallowed.
“Because I was uncomfortable and because I had gotten used to treating your complaints like jokes.”
Eli frowned.
“My eyes hurt.”
“I know.”
“I said stop.”
“I know.”
“You didn’t.”
“No.”
He looked down.
Diane continued:
“I should have gotten up and helped you immediately.”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
Eli looked at me.
Then at her.
“Okay.”
Diane started crying.
To her credit, she did not make him comfort her.
She wiped her eyes.
Eli asked:
“Can we get ice cream?”
May you like
Therapy ended.
Grandmotherhood resumed one spoonful at a time.
