Chapter 26 - THE LAST BIG FAMILY DINNER
Two years after the birthday, Dad asked if we could have Thanksgiving together.
I asked Noah.
He said yes.
Kevin came.
Madison.
Dad.
No big crowd.
No audience.
That helped.
Dessert was chocolate cake.
Dad had ordered it without realizing the irony.
Noah laughed.
“Seriously?”
Dad looked horrified.
“I can get pie.”
Noah grinned.
“No. Keep it.”
Good.
Madison asked:
“Can I cut it?”
Noah said:
“No.”
She nodded.
No drama.
Consent.
I cut it.
Halfway through dinner, Kevin looked at me.
“I sold the boat.”
I had forgotten he owned one.
“Okay.”
“Restitution.”
“Okay.”
He seemed disappointed I did not praise him.
That was part of recovery too.
Doing what is required without expecting emotional payment.
Dad asked Noah about soccer.
Noah answered.
No one mentioned his trust.
No one mentioned Aaron’s insurance.
No one compared.
Afterward Madison helped clear dishes.
No performance.
Just dishes.
I watched them.
Not healed perfectly.
May you like
Functional.
Sometimes that is more honest.
