Chapter 24 - MADISON AND NOAH
Noah refused to see Madison for six months.
Then one afternoon he said:
“Can she come to the park?”
I asked:
“Why?”
“She texted me.”
I had allowed supervised messaging after therapy.
“What did she say?”
He showed me.
SORRY ABOUT YOUR CAKE.
Then:
I WAS JEALOUS.
Then:
I KNOW THAT WASN’T YOUR FAULT.
Good.
At the park, Madison brought no gift.
Smart.
She stood awkwardly.
“I’m sorry.”
Noah looked at her.
“You ruined my wish.”
“I know.”
“What did you think I wished?”
She shrugged.
“Something stupid.”
“I wished Dad could see my birthday.”
Madison’s face collapsed.
Aaron.
Her uncle.
Dead three years.
“I’m sorry.”
Noah kicked at the grass.
“You made fun of me because my dad died?”
“No!”
“Grandpa says people feel sorry for me.”
Madison started crying.
“I was mad because everybody says you already have everything.”
Noah stared.
“My dad is dead.”
“I know.”
Silence.
Then:
“That’s not everything.”
Madison nodded.
“No.”
They did not hug.
Good.
May you like
They kicked a soccer ball around fifteen minutes later.
Children sometimes move before adults are emotionally ready.
