Chapter 22 - Greg as a Father
Greg was devastated when Sophie initially refused overnight visits.
“She thinks I stole her money.”
I had not told her that directly.
Children hear.
Some relative had said:
“Daddy took your savings.”
I shut that down.
Dr. Cole worked with us.
Greg told Sophie:
“I used some money that belonged in your account for something I should not have bought.”
“Necklace?”
“Yes.”
“For Aunt Chloe?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I made a selfish decision.”
Good.
Then:
“I put all of it back.”
“Can you take again?”
“No. Mom manages that account now.”
Sophie relaxed.
Structure.
No promise:
I’ll never make another mistake.
Specific safeguard.
Noah cared less.
“Did necklace have lasers?”
No.
Disappointing.
Greg rebuilt parenthood through reliability.
School pickup.
Soccer.
Medicine.
Birthday.
No financial lectures.
No expensive guilt gifts.
At first he bought Sophie a $300 dollhouse.
I returned it.
Not punishment.
We agreed:
No major gifts during repair without discussion.
He bought art supplies instead.
May you like
She loved them more.
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