Chapter 16 - Primrose Asks About Grandma Eleanor
Primrose had never met my mother.
She began asking after hearing adults refer to:
Grandma’s letter.
“Was Grandma nice?”
I hated broad questions about dead people.
They invite mythology.
“She could be very kind.”
“Was she mean?”
“Sometimes she got impatient.”
“Like Aunt Violetta?”
“Not the same.”
“Did she hit kids?”
“No.”
At least not us.
“Why she hide letter?”
“She didn’t. Aunt Violetta hid it.”
“Why?”
“Because Aunt Violetta was scared Grandma had found a mistake.”
Primrose thought.
“Breaking vase mistake?”
“Different kind.”
“Did Grandma slap her?”
“No.”
“Then why scared?”
Excellent question.
Adults do not need physical punishment to fear being exposed.
“Because she thought Grandma and Grandpa would be disappointed.”
Primrose considered.
“Grandpa disappointed now.”
“Yes.”
“Still love her?”
“Yes.”
That one came easily.
She looked surprised.
“You can?”
“Yes.”
“You can love someone and still have rules because they hurt people.”
Primrose nodded.
Then:
“Do you love Aunt Violetta?”
I took longer.
“Yes.”
“Even slap?”
“Yes.”
“Do I have to?”
“No.”
May you like
That answer mattered most.
Children are not obligated to match adult family loyalty.
