Chapter 26 - Ordinary Mother
The greatest sign that Marianne had truly returned was not the ring.
Not the court order.
Not the family photograph.
It was the day Melusine yelled:
“You’re the worst mom ever!”
Marianne stood in the kitchen.
Hands on hips.
“Because I said no tablet?”
“Yes!”
“Excellent.”
“I hate you!”
“Okay.”
Melusine stormed upstairs.
I stared.
Marianne looked at me.
“What?”
“I’m emotional.”
“Oh God.”
“She called you the worst mom.”
“Rainier.”
“That’s normal.”
“Please do not romanticize my child insulting me.”
I laughed until she threw a dish towel.
Ten minutes later Melusine returned.
“Can have snack?”
“Yes.”
No apology yet.
Life continued.
That was what we had fought to regain.
Not permanent gratitude.
Not a child who worshipped the mother who returned from the dead.
A normal relationship strong enough to survive:
No tablet.
Bad mood.
Homework.
Late pickups.
May you like
Different opinions.
Love without constant proof.
