Chapter 24 - Emily becomes Mom again slowly
By the second year, Emily lived independently in a one-story townhouse.
She could drive short local distances after medical clearance.
Her left hand still trembled under fatigue.
She sometimes lost words.
She needed more sleep than before the accident.
Lily noticed everything.
“Why do you talk slow when tired?”
“Brain injury.”
“Will it stop?”
“Maybe some. Maybe not all.”
Honest.
Primary physical custody transitioned gradually toward Emily.
Not because the court wanted a resurrection story.
Because Emily demonstrated capacity.
School routines.
Medication.
Meals.
Transportation.
Emergency planning.
Parenting decisions.
I remained close.
Lily spent one weekend most months with me because she had lived with me during the transition and wanted that relationship.
Ryan’s supervised visits expanded.
Then unsupervised daytime contact.
Later alternating Saturdays.
No overnight until therapists recommended.
Emily did not try to erase him.
She had every emotional reason.
She chose not to.
“Lily gets to have a father if he becomes safe enough to be one.”
May you like
That sentence required more strength than walking again.
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