Chapter 13 - Claire comes to see Aubrielle
Two months after the party, Claire asked to visit.
Aubrielle said:
“Only if Aunt Marietta doesn’t come.”
She did not.
Nathan brought Claire.
Claire carried a paper bag.
Inside:
Three unopened gifts.
Two gift cards.
A silver charm bracelet.
Claire said:
“These are yours.”
Aubrielle looked at them.
“You can keep the bracelet.”
Claire shook her head.
“It has your name.”
Small engraving:
AUBRIELLE.
That ended discussion.
Then Claire started crying.
“My mom said you weren’t supposed to get as much.”
Aubrielle said:
“Why?”
Claire:
“I don’t know.”
Then:
“Maybe because your mom died.”
Aubrielle’s face changed.
I stepped in.
“Claire, you didn’t make those rules.”
“I know.”
“No child here has to explain Marietta.”
Claire nodded.
They played in backyard.
For forty minutes.
Then fought over a swing.
Normal.
That was healing.
May you like
Not forced forgiveness.
Ordinary conflict.
