Chapter 22 - EMMA AND NOAH
The therapist asked whether Noah wanted to see Emma.
He said yes.
I wanted to say no.
That was my fear.
Not his.
The meeting lasted twenty minutes.
Emma cried before Noah entered.
The therapist reminded her:
“Do not make him take care of your feelings.”
Good.
Noah sat.
Emma whispered:
“I’m sorry I smashed your cake.”
He shrugged.
“And the bike.”
He stopped.
“You remember?”
“Some.”
“I didn’t mean for the van.”
“I know.”
“How?”
“Mom told me.”
Emma looked at me.
Then back at Noah.
“Grandma told me you were spoiled.”
Noah frowned.
“Why?”
“Because people buy you stuff.”
“You got an iPad.”
Emma almost smiled.
“It got returned.”
“Good.”
Children.
Then Noah asked:
“Why did you grab my bike?”
“I wanted it.”
“You could have waited.”
“I know.”
“Okay.”
No forgiveness ceremony.
No hug.
When the therapist asked whether he wanted another meeting, Noah said:
May you like
“Maybe later.”
That was enough.
