Chapter 8
Vanessa expected permanent exile from Lombardi.
She got it professionally.
Personally, family remained more complicated.
She was Noah’s aunt.
Whether that relationship continued belonged partly to Isabella and eventually Noah.
For now:
No contact.
Vanessa protested.
“He loves me.”
“Maybe.”
“I love him.”
“Maybe.”
She stared.
“What does that mean?”
“It means love does not answer the access question by itself.”
She hated that.
Good.
She asked to apologize.
Isabella said no.
Noah was not asked.
He was four.
Adults do not unload remorse onto children because they need relief.
Vanessa sent the torn flower back repaired with tape.
Isabella almost threw it away.
Then asked Noah.
He looked at it.
“No.”
That surprised us.
“What do you want to do?”
“Make new.”
Good.
We did.
May you like
The old flower went into the trash.
Not every damaged object needs preservation.
