Chapter 23 - Claire versus Naya
Sisters do not repair thirty years in one apology.
We fought again.
Of course.
Lucas’s first birthday.
Naya invited me.
I agreed.
Then learned Mike would be there for the full party.
I said:
“I’m not coming.”
Naya became defensive.
“He’s Lucas’s father.”
“I know.”
“So what am I supposed to do?”
“Nothing. I’m choosing not to attend.”
“It feels like you’re making me choose.”
That phrase.
I stopped.
“Naya.”
She heard it too.
Our mother’s language.
The family disease.
She covered her face.
“Oh God.”
“Yeah.”
She laughed once.
Then:
“Okay. You don’t have to come.”
I sent a gift.
Saw Lucas the next day.
No drama.
That was progress.
Later, when Daniel wanted to attend a birthday where Mike would be present, I let him.
No forcing my boundary onto my son.
Different relationships.
Specific doors.
Naya and I began having lunch once a month.
Not because sisters should.
Because we discovered we still liked each other when Mike was not in the conversation.
Books.
Work.
Parenting.
Mom’s obsession with linen napkins.
We also disliked each other sometimes.
May you like
Healthy.
Closeness stopped requiring total agreement.
