Chapter 24 - Paul comes to Ohio
My father visited when Iris was five months old.
He had not been in the same room with Diane for seven years.
No dramatic reunion.
We scheduled separate days.
Paul held Iris as though she were explosive.
“Her neck.”
“Support it.”
“I am.”
“You are holding her like a watermelon.”
“I’ve forgotten.”
He looked at me.
“Your mother did most baby stuff.”
Another piece of family history.
Diane had been the parent who managed everyone.
Paul withdrew.
Rachel’s chaos gave Diane purpose after the divorce.
My competence gave her less.
I started seeing the family roles as adaptations, not destiny.
Paul asked:
“Are you okay financially?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
Then:
“Do you need anything?”
Simple question.
I almost cried.
“No.”
“Okay.”
Not offended.
Not disappointed.
May you like
No need to be needed.
I wanted to learn that.
