Chapter 16 - Lily Asks the Hardest Question
Months passed.
One night Lily asked,
“Did Dad know he was going to die?”
Clara’s heart stopped.
“No.”
“Then why envelope?”
“Because adults sometimes make plans just in case.”
“Did he think Uncle Grant would hurt us?”
Clara considered.
“Not physically.”
“What then?”
“He worried Uncle Grant might argue about money and the house.”
Lily frowned.
“Why does money make people weird?”
Clara laughed softly.
“Excellent question.”
“Did Dad love Uncle Grant?”
“Yes.”
“Even when mad?”
“Yes.”
“Does Grandma love Uncle Grant?”
“Yes.”
“Do you?”
Clara hesitated.
“I cared about him.”
“Now?”
“I’m angry.”
“That’s not answer.”
Seven-year-olds demanded precision.
“I don’t know.”
Lily nodded.
“Okay.”
Then:
“Can I still?”
“Still what?”
“Love him.”
Clara pulled her closer.
“Yes.”
That permission mattered.
Children should not have to reorganize affection according to adult litigation.
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Lily had lost Daniel.
She did not need to lose every complicated relationship connected to him.
