Chapter 9 - Ethan Asked to See His Daughter
Three months after Elizabeth was born, Ethan requested supervised visitation.
My immediate reaction was no.
Then I read the evaluation.
He had entered counseling.
He had complied with every court requirement.
He wasn't asking to see me.
He wasn't asking to come home.
He was asking to meet his daughter under professional supervision.
Dad hated the idea.
“He hurt you.”
“I know.”
“He betrayed you.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you considering this?”
“Because Elizabeth isn't a weapon.”
Dad became quiet.
That answer changed the conversation.
The first visit took place at a family services center.
I watched through observation glass.
Ethan entered carrying nothing but a small stuffed elephant.
When the supervisor placed Elizabeth in his arms, he froze.
Then he cried.
Not loudly.
He simply stared at her as tears rolled down his face.
“Hi, Ellie.”
My heart hurt.
Because this was the man I once loved.
And because loving someone once doesn't mean you must return to them.
Both things could be true.
After twenty minutes, Elizabeth grabbed Ethan's finger.
He smiled.
Then he whispered something I could barely hear through the monitor.
“I promise I'll never teach you that love is supposed to hurt.”
I closed my eyes.
For the first time, I hoped Ethan changed.
Not for me.
May you like
For her.
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