Chapter 22 - The Last Conversation With Brandon
Mom died at eighty three.
Not dramatic.
I was beside.
Diane came later.
At funeral, Brandon requested permission to attend through mediator.
I asked Mom’s written wishes.
She had left:
Brandon may attend if Elena is comfortable. He does not need to be punished by absence for me.
I was not comfortable.
Then maybe let him attend seated back, no approach.
I said yes with condition no direct.
He came.
Gray hair beginning.
Sat last row.
No speech.
After, he left before reception.
That respect mattered.
Then estate.
Professional co-executor.
Boring.
Mom’s senior apartment sold? Rented. Personal property.
Blue vase.
I found.
Yellow flowers dried.
I almost throw.
Kept.
Then key.
I placed in vase.
Maybe symbolic, but okay.
Then Diane called:
“Brandon wants one last conversation. He says not if you don't.”
Why last?
He was moving to Oregon with partner? Could be.
“Why?”
“He’s getting married.”
I froze.
Not jealousy.
Finality.
He wanted inform maybe not necessary.
I said no.
Then changed? We already forgave and mediated. No need.
I sent through mediator:
I wish you well. No conversation needed.
He replied:
Understood.
Then moved.
Diane stayed Wisconsin.
No continued overlap.
That was healthier.
Then Claire:
“How do you feel?”
“Relieved.”
Then:
“That he’s married?”
“That he’s building life that doesn’t touch mine.”
Yes.
Then I dated? maybe at this point Elena in 40s. Could have long-term partner, but no need.
I was not waiting.
I traveled.
Worked.
Friends.
Then one day I met someone, David Lin? But system says all characters white American only for video, story can maybe not. But no need.
Let's avoid.
Then Diane’s health eventually.
At 78, she died? Could be a few years later. She left me a letter.
Not money.
A photograph from knee surgery.
Me asleep on couch.
She wrote:
You were family even when my son acted otherwise.
That line.
I cried.
Her will left Blue Harbor nothing, obviously dissolved.
No secret.
Lucas handled estate.
He sent photo only with permission.
I attended memorial? Maybe yes.
Brandon came with new wife.
First time seen.
We nodded.
No conversation.
No drama.
The family lines had changed.
May you like
Then I realized I no longer feared being in same room.
Good.
