Chapter 24 - Three Years Later
Grace was three.
Curly brown hair.
Obsessed with yellow boots.
She knew Grandma Margaret existed.
She knew Aunt Victoria existed.
Not details.
Age appropriate.
Michael and I stayed married.
Not untouched.
We attended couples therapy for a year because he carried anger I carried fear.
He once said:
“I still imagine hitting your mother.”
Dr. Blake asked:
“Do you?”
“No.”
Good.
Feelings not actions.
We learned.
Victoria and I exchanged occasional emails.
No daily relationship.
No vacations.
No pretending.
She sent photos of Noah twice a year.
I sent Grace pictures only after asking Michael and thinking carefully.
Margaret eventually met Grace.
At a public garden.
One hour.
No gifts.
No forced hug.
Grace called her “Margaret” first.
Mom flinched.
Accepted.
Later:
“Grandma Margaret.”
Her choice.
Margaret never babysat.
Never had financial authority.
Never had house key.
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Boundaries did not soften because years passed.
They became ordinary.
