Chapter 10 - LILY THOUGHT SHE HAD DONE SOMETHING BADThis surprised everyone.
After the party, Lily became upset whenever cake appeared.
She told Rosa:
“I broke Ethan birthday.”
That broke Dominic.
He visited with a child therapist’s guidance.
He brought no gifts.
No giant reward.
He crouched.
“You didn’t break the birthday.”
Lily looked at him.
“I hit cake.”
“Yes.”
“People yelled.”
“Yes.”
“That was scary.”
She nodded.
Then Dominic said:
“You saw something that worried you and stopped Ethan from eating.”
“Cake bad.”
“Yes.”
“And then grown-ups took care of it.”
Important.
Not:
You saved him.
Not:
You’re a hero forever.
She was three.
She needed the responsibility returned to adults.
Then Ethan handed her a cupcake.
Nut-free.
Individually sealed.
She stared.
He said:
“You can smack this one too if you want.”
Rosa groaned.
Dominic laughed.
May you like
Lily smiled.
Healing sometimes needs stupid jokes.
