Chapter 12 - The Next Thanksgiving
We spent the next Thanksgiving in Asheville.
Just me, Noah, Lily, and Evan joining for one day with his partner, Jenna.
Yes, my ex husband’s girlfriend came.
Mom thought this was bizarre.
I thought it was peaceful.
We rented two cabins.
Everyone paid their own.
I asked kids before booking.
Lily wanted fireplace.
Noah wanted WiFi.
Priorities.
We hiked.
Cooked.
Did not photograph matching outfits.
On Thanksgiving morning, Mom called.
“Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving.”
She was at Amanda’s.
“How many?”
“Six.”
“No relatives?”
“No. Rachel is with her daughter.”
“So quiet.”
“Yes.”
She sounded sad.
Then:
“I understand now why you wanted quiet.”
I smiled.
“Good.”
Then Amanda jumped on call.
“Tell Claire we have beds.”
Mom:
“Amanda.”
I laughed.
Noah heard.
“Too soon.”
Everyone laughed.
Humor returned.
Then Mom said:
“I was looking at photos from Hocking Hills.”
“There are none.”
“The church hall.”
“Oh.”
“I thought canceled lodge was worst Thanksgiving of my life.”
“And?”
“It might have been useful.”
I did not say worth it.
Pain need not be justified by lessons.
But useful?
Yes.
Then:
“I’m sorry you lost money.”
“I know.”
“I won’t offer again.”
“Thank you.”
That was apology mature enough to accept no.
Then after call, Evan asked:
“You two okay?”
“Different.”
“Better?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Jenna said:
“Families are weird.”
Universal.
Then Noah, ten now, pulled me aside.
“Mom.”
“What?”
“Can I tell Grandma if I don’t want something?”
“Yes.”
“Even if you’re not there?”
“Yes.”
“Can I hang up?”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
That was boundary inheritance I wanted.
Not money.
May you like
Not lodge.
Permission to say no.
