Chapter 5 - The key
Kerensa had been living at the house with me for eighteen months.
After our apartment lease ended, Graham invited us to stay while we looked for land to build our own home.
Then Kerensa became pregnant.
We delayed construction.
Graham said:
“Stay through the baby.”
Lenora said:
“It’s good to have family under one roof.”
What she meant became clear later.
At first she was helpful.
Prenatal vitamins on the kitchen counter.
Soup when Kerensa was nauseated.
Baby blankets.
Then opinions.
Which hospital.
Which pediatrician.
Breastfeeding.
Names.
Nursery location.
Whether Kerensa should return to work.
Then:
“The baby should sleep in the east nursery.”
Kerensa said:
“The baby will sleep in our room at first.”
Lenora laughed.
“You young mothers overcomplicate everything.”
My father stayed out of it.
So did I too often.
Then the key.
The morning of the garage incident, Lenora asked Kerensa for hers.
Why?
“Household inventory.”
Kerensa refused.
Lenora said:
“You won’t need it.”
Then told her to pack.
Kerensa called me.
My phone was on airplane mode during the flight.
She called again.
Then my father came downstairs.
Instead of stopping Lenora, he said:
“Maybe some distance would calm everyone.”
Kerensa asked:
“You’re throwing me out while I’m pregnant?”
He answered:
“Only temporarily.”
Then the line about delivering the baby.
Not temporary.
He wanted access to the child without the mother who challenged him.
That was not law.
May you like
Not realistic custody authority.
It was entitlement dressed as family tradition.
