Chapter 26 - Denise Learns to Ask
Denise completed home detention.
Probation continued.
Restitution continued.
Therapy continued.
At first she hated therapy.
Then she began quoting her therapist.
Nia hated that more.
“My therapist says boundaries protect relationships.”
Nia stared.
“I have been telling you that for two years.”
“Yes, but Dr. Patel has credentials.”
Nia threw a dish towel at her.
Denise laughed.
That laugh had been rare during Nia’s childhood.
Or perhaps Nia had forgotten.
One afternoon Denise called.
“Can I come by?”
Nia paused.
The question itself mattered.
“You’re asking?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I made soup.”
Nia smiled.
“That’s suspicious.”
“I can leave it outside.”
“No.”
She looked at the clock.
“Come at five.”
Denise arrived at 4:58.
She rang the bell.
She did not use a key.
She no longer had one.
Nia opened the door.
Denise held soup.
Micah ran downstairs.
“Grandma!”
He hugged her.
Nia watched without fear.
Not without memory.
Those were different.
At dinner, Denise looked around the blue kitchen.
“It’s cheerful.”
“That’s the polite word,” Marcus said.
Micah glared.
Denise smiled.
Afterward she asked Nia:
“Can I take Micah to the science museum Saturday?”
Nia’s instinct tightened.
Denise saw it.
“You can say no.”
That changed everything.
Nia considered.
“Three hours.”
Denise nodded.
“Marcus or I drive.”
“Okay.”
“No discussing adult legal things.”
“Of course.”
“And he calls me when you arrive.”
“Yes.”
Denise smiled.
“Thank you.”
Saturday went well.
Then another Saturday.
Trust grew in teaspoon measurements.
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Never buckets.
Nia preferred it that way.
