Chapter 25 - Helena asks to see Leo
Two years after the garage incident, Helena requested mediated contact.
Not directly.
Through counsel.
Leo was five.
Claire immediately said:
“No.”
I agreed.
Six months later Helena asked again.
Leo’s therapist said:
“Do not treat contact as a reward for Helena’s progress. The question is whether it serves Leo.”
Exactly.
We asked Leo in simple language.
“Do you want to see Lena?”
He looked confused.
“Car Lena?”
My stomach tightened.
“Yes.”
“No.”
That was enough.
No court forced contact.
Helena did not have parental rights.
She remained extended family.
Another year passed.
She asked once more.
Leo was six.
His answer changed.
“Maybe Grandma party if Dad there.”
Not private.
Not therapy-room reconciliation.
Large family event.
Public.
Parent present.
We allowed ten minutes.
Helena arrived.
No gifts.
No dramatic tears.
She crouched several feet away.
“Hi, Leo.”
He stared.
“Hi.”
She said:
“I was mean to you when you were little.”
He looked at me.
I nodded.
Then:
“You made me wash car.”
“Yes.”
“Wasn’t me.”
“No.”
There.
“Cart.”
“Yes.”
Leo thought.
Then ran away because another child had a soccer ball.
Conversation over.
Helena cried later.
Not in front of him.
May you like
Good.
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