Chapter 20 - The People at Our Table
"No, sweetheart," Mark said. "You do not have to see anyone who scares you just because they're related to us."
Sophie considered that. "Even if she cries?"
"Even then. Her feelings are for her to manage. Your safety is for us to protect."
"You don't have to decide about someday," Sarah added.
Sophie nodded. "Can Mrs. Alvarez bring cinnamon rolls?"
"I'll call her right now," Sarah said.
Six months later, their favorite neighbors gathered for macaroni and cheese, flowers, and cinnamon rolls.
Sophie insisted on eight candles, one for each year. Mark set the matches beside her plate.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Wait." She looked around the table. "Everybody has to be quiet. I want to remember this part."
They were quiet. The dog from next door barked once through the open window. Somebody laughed. Then Sophie closed her eyes and made her wish.
After dinner they watched children ride bikes along the quiet Holloway Lane path.
"Grandma Helen would've liked that," Sophie said.
"She really would."
Sophie slipped her hand into his. "You were very loud that night."
"I know. I'm sorry I scared you."
"You were loud at Aunt Clara, not at me."
"That's true. But next time I'll try to be calmer while I keep you safe."
She squeezed his fingers. "Okay."
Inside, Mark helped Sarah dry the dishes while Sophie built paper stars with June. Their family wasn't perfect, but it felt safe again.
Mark looked at his daughter. He had thought closing the door on Clara would be the hardest thing he would ever do.
May you like
He had been wrong. The hardest thing was admitting he'd kept it open too long.
And the best thing he'd ever done was finally closing it for Sophie.
