Chapter 19 - LEARNING TO LISTEN
Emma still hated closed doors.
Bunny went everywhere.
Preschool, doctor appointments, even the grocery store.
Once, I suggested Bunny might wait in the car.
Emma's face changed.
I apologized before she had to ask twice.
I kept asking, "How did I miss it?"
The better question was, "What will I do when I notice fear now?"
Emma noticed everything.
"Daddy works less."
"I do."
"Because monster mommy?"
"Because Daddy needed to change."
She considered that.
"Okay."
Emma chose one for her bedroom.
Emma touched the frame.
"Did I make her die?"
My heart cracked open.
I knelt.
"No. Never."
"But Vanessa said—"
"Vanessa lied."
"Why?"
"Because she wanted you to feel small."
Emma hugged Bunny.
"I'm not small."
"You're four."
She frowned.
"Not that kind."
I laughed.
"No. You're not that kind."
Then Emma looked at me very seriously.
"Daddy?"
"Yeah?"
"If I say monster again, you listen?"
I swallowed.
May you like
"Every time."
That was the promise I could actually keep.
