Chapter 14 - Sunday Dinner
The first Sunday dinner was awkward.
Vanessa brought pie.
Dad burned the roast.
I arrived late.
Harold invited himself.
Nobody discussed the past until dessert.
Then Dad placed Mom’s letter on the table.
Vanessa stared at it.
“I know what it says.”
“I know.”
Dad folded his hands.
“Your mother wanted me to forgive you.”
Vanessa looked down.
“But she also wanted me to stop rescuing you.”
“I know.”
“I failed at the second part.”
Vanessa shook her head.
“No. I did.”
Dad’s eyes filled.
“I love you.”
Vanessa began crying.
“I know.”
“No,” Dad said. “I need you to hear the rest.”
She looked at him.
“I love you. I don’t trust you yet.”
Vanessa nodded.
“I understand.”
“And I’m not changing my estate plan.”
“I don’t want you to.”
Dad studied her face.
For the first time, he believed her.
That didn’t erase anything.
May you like
It simply gave tomorrow somewhere to begin.
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