Chapter 10 - ETHAN THOUGHT HE FAILEDThe inheritance investigation was adult business.
We kept it away from the children as much as possible.
The harder work was repairing what Diane had done.
Ethan had developed one belief:
He failed Lily.
He told his therapist:
“I should’ve told Mom the first time.”
I sat with him later.
“You were scared.”
“I’m older.”
“You are seven.”
“That’s older than four.”
I nearly cried.
He believed age difference made him responsible for her safety.
“Your job is to be Lily’s brother.”
“I protect her.”
“Sometimes.”
He frowned.
“But adults protect both of you.”
He looked uncertain.
“So I don’t have to?”
“You can help.”
I smiled.
“You can shout if something is wrong.”
“You can tell.”
“You can get a grown-up.”
“But you do not have to become her parent.”
He thought.
Then:
“Can I still give her crackers?”
“Yes.”
“Even if she already had some?”
“Within reason.”
May you like
He smiled.
Progress.
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