Chapter 9 - Tamsin’s Bruise
Tamsin’s injuries from the gala were minor.
That fact was good.
Do not enlarge harm because the story already hurts.
Pediatric examination documented:
Redness and a small oval bruise on upper right arm consistent with a firm grip.
Minor bruise over left hip after contacting a catering crate.
No fracture.
No head trauma.
No signs of older repeated physical abuse.
No malnutrition.
No evidence Lucasta had previously harmed her physically.
Tamsin slept badly afterward.
Different category.
She asked Mara:
“Can red dress lady come?”
Lucasta.
“No,” Mara said.
“Can she lock hotel?”
“No.”
“Can Corvin?”
That stopped everyone.
I was present for one therapy session later.
Tamsin still called me Corvin.
Not Dad.
Correct.
Dr. Paige Nolan, her child therapist, asked:
“What do you think Corvin does?”
Tamsin said:
“Big family.”
“What does that mean?”
“He says people move.”
I looked at Mara.
She explained later.
Tamsin had seen old internet videos.
Security entourages.
Hotel openings.
Men moving when I entered.
A child understood power visually.
Dr. Nolan asked:
“Do you think Corvin can make you live somewhere?”
Tamsin hesitated.
“Yes.”
I wanted to interrupt.
Did not.
“What would you want him to know?”
Tamsin looked at me.
“I live with Mom.”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
Dr. Nolan said:
“Say it to her, not me.”
I looked at Tamsin.
“You live with Mom.”
She watched.
“I am not taking you away.”
“Promise?”
“I will not try to make you leave your mom.”
Specific.
Mara’s eyes filled.
Good.
Paternity did not grant me moral permission to erase six years of parenting.
Legally, I had parental rights to establish.
Emotionally, I was the new person.
Biology answers one question.
May you like
Relationship answers thousands.
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