Chapter 22 - The First Trip Without Me
At eight, Ione was invited to go to the Jersey Shore with her best friend’s family for two nights.
I almost said no.
Not because them.
Because:
away.
Marjorie had contaminated travel.
Ione surprised me.
“I want.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“No Dad.”
“I know.”
“You’ll call.”
“If need.”
She went.
Forgot to call first night.
I stared at phone like lunatic.
Her friend’s mother texted:
They’re eating ice cream. All good.
I relaxed.
A little.
Ione returned sunburned on nose despite sunscreen.
Happy.
“Did you miss?”
“Little.”
“Did you want rescue?”
“No.”
Then:
“I can go places without you.”
“Yes.”
There.
Marjorie had wanted that outcome.
She had tried to force it.
Choice achieved it naturally.
That was painful and instructive.
A good goal reached through coercion becomes a bad experience.
The goal does not become bad.
May you like
We can try again correctly.
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