Chapter 13 - Sophie asks about Aunt Elena
Sophie had loved Elena.
That was the hardest part.
Elena had brought:
Birthday books.
Art supplies.
Ballet tickets.
She knew Sophie hated peas.
Knew Claire’s lullaby.
Knew how to braid hair badly.
A person can steal from a child and still have real affectionate memories with that child.
Sophie asked:
“Did Aunt Elena take my money?”
“Yes.”
“All?”
“No.”
“How much?”
“Too much for you to worry about.”
“Can I buy toys?”
“Yes.”
That was her scale.
Then:
“Why?”
“She had money problems and made selfish choices.”
“She has money.”
“Yes.”
“Then why mine?”
I did not have a satisfying answer.
“Because it was available and she thought she could hide it.”
Sophie frowned.
“Mommy knew?”
“She suspected.”
“Why didn’t Mommy tell police?”
“She was sick and still gathering information.”
Sophie touched the bear.
“Mommy told Teddy.”
“Sort of.”
That became family shorthand.
Not healthy if overused.
So therapist encouraged us to let bear return to being a toy.
We repaired it professionally.
USB removed.
Note stored with evidence copies.
May you like
The bear slept in Sophie’s bed again.
No longer a safe.
