Chapter 9 - SOPHIE GOT HER BIRTHDAY BACKSophie turned seven in June.
The week before, I asked:
“What kind of party?”
She thought seriously.
“No fancy dresses.”
“Okay.”
“No Grandma.”
“Okay.”
“No cleaning.”
I smiled.
“Absolutely no cleaning.”
“And water balloons.”
That one made me pause.
After the bucket, Sophie avoided dirty water for months.
Now she wanted water balloons.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded.
“Clean water.”
I laughed.
“Clean water.”
We held the party in the backyard.
Tyler came.
So did Andrew.
James grilled hamburgers badly.
Sophie chased her friends through the yard throwing water balloons.
At one point, one burst over her head.
She screamed.
For half a second, my body tensed.
Then Sophie laughed.
She laughed so hard she fell onto the grass.
I nearly cried.
A year earlier, water running down her face meant humiliation.
Now it meant summer.
That was healing.
Not forgetting.
Taking something back.
After cake, James presented both Sophie and Tyler with envelopes.
Not money.
Letters.
Copies of their grandfather’s memorandum.
Simplified for children.
James explained:
“Grandpa wanted you both treated equally.”
Tyler asked:
“Even if Sophie changes her last name someday?”
“Yes.”
Sophie looked offended.
“Why would I?”
Everyone laughed.
James continued.
“Neither of you has to run the company.”
Tyler immediately said:
“Good.”
“What do you want to do?” Andrew asked.
“Design video games.”
Sophie shouted:
“I want to be a veterinarian.”
James looked at me.
Twelve million dollars.
Years of manipulation.
A grandmother trying to engineer an heir.
And the children wanted puppies and computers.
May you like
Adults had nearly destroyed them over a future neither had selected.
Not anymore.
