Chapter 10 - EMMA ASKED IF THE HOUSE WAS HERSEventually, Emma heard adults talking.
Children always do.
She asked me:
“Is Grandma mad because I own the house?”
I crouched.
“No.”
She frowned.
“Uncle said something.”
I sighed.
“You don’t own the house like a toy.”
“What?”
“A trust takes care of it.”
“Do I get it?”
“Maybe you’ll have responsibilities later.”
She thought.
“Can I paint my room purple?”
I laughed.
“That is not how trusts work.”
She looked disappointed.
Good.
Then I said:
“Grandma was angry about money and family history.”
“Did I do something?”
“No.”
“Then why did she lock me?”
That question hurt.
“Because she made a bad choice.”
Emma looked serious.
“Very bad.”
“Yes.”
“Is she still Grandma?”
I thought.
“She’s Daddy’s mother.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Six-year-olds are dangerous.
I answered carefully.
“She is your grandmother by family relationship.”
“Do I have to see her?”
“No.”
May you like
Emma nodded.
That answer mattered more than biology or title.
