Chapter 8 - MIA ASKED IF GRANDPA LOVED HER
Therapy began before the court case ended.
Mia’s therapist was Dr. Hannah Brooks.
Warm voice.
No baby talk.
She taught me something important immediately.
Do not make Mia responsible for my feelings about Dad.
So when Mia asked:
“Do you hate Grandpa?”
I did not say yes.
I said:
“I’m very angry about what Grandpa did.”
Then one night:
“Did Grandpa love me?”
That was harder.
“I think Grandpa had feelings he called love.”
Mia frowned.
“That sounds weird.”
“It is.”
I tried again.
“People can love someone and still do things that are wrong.”
“Then is it love?”
Seven-year-olds should not be allowed to ask philosophical questions at bedtime.
I kissed her forehead.
“Good love makes room for safety.”
She thought.
“Grandpa didn’t.”
“No.”
Then:
“Does Caleb hate me?”
“No.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he asks about you.”
Jason and I agreed not to force the children together.
Months passed.
Then, under guidance from their therapists, Mia chose to see Caleb.
Public park.
Adults nearby.
The moment they saw each other, Caleb started crying.
“I’m sorry.”
Mia looked at him.
“You were heavy.”
I nearly laughed.
Caleb cried harder.
“I told Grandpa to stop.”
“I know.”
Mia kicked at the grass.
Then:
“You laughed first.”
His face crumpled.
“I know.”
“I’m sorry.”
She looked at him for a long time.
Then handed him a juice box.
Children sometimes move through things adults build cathedrals around.
They did not become instantly close.
May you like
But the poison between them stopped growing.
That was enough.
