Chapter 12 - Lily becomes afraid of the playroom
Lily recovered physically faster than emotionally.
Headaches lasted nearly two weeks.
She returned to kindergarten gradually.
But she stopped entering the upstairs playroom.
Why?
“That’s Ryan’s room.”
I said:
“No one is taking it.”
She looked at me.
“Ryan said you promised.”
Five years old.
Listening more than I wanted.
I crouched.
“I promised Ryan he would have a home with me. I should not have promised a specific room without talking to Mommy.”
“Is he coming?”
“Not right now.”
“Will he hit me?”
“No one will let that happen.”
“Did he hate me?”
I could not say no.
“He was very angry and very sad. What he did was wrong.”
“Because I said my house?”
“No.”
“Mommy says not my fault.”
“Mommy is right.”
Then:
“Is he my brother?”
“Yes.”
She cried.
Not joy.
May you like
That hurt too.
Children do not owe instant affection to biological relatives who injure them.
