Chapter 14 - Claire and Ethan
Child protective services did not remove Ethan from both parents.
Claire had asked him to keep a dangerous secret.
That was serious.
She had not physically harmed him.
No prior neglect.
No substance abuse.
No evidence she routinely confined him.
Initial contact was supervised.
Ethan missed her immediately.
First visit:
“Mom!”
He ran to her.
I hated the relief on his face for perhaps one second.
Then hated myself for hating it.
Claire hugged him.
The supervisor reminded her:
“No discussion of the legal case unless Ethan raises it.”
He did.
“Why did you put Eliza in wall?”
Claire froze.
Then:
“Because I was scared.”
“What of?”
“Telling Dad the truth.”
“Dad scary?”
She looked toward the supervisor.
Then answered carefully.
“Dad can be scary when he is angry, but that does not make what I did okay.”
Good.
Ethan asked:
“Did Eliza do bad?”
“No.”
“Did I?”
“No.”
“I told Dad.”
“You did the right thing.”
His shoulders dropped.
That was the sentence he needed from her.
Then:
“You told me promise.”
“I should never have asked you to keep that secret.”
“Then promises bad?”
“No. Some promises are good. But adults should not ask children to hide someone being scared, hurt, trapped, or unsafe.”
Ethan nodded.
Then:
“Can I have snack?”
May you like
Children do not stay in therapeutic moments for our convenience.
Thank God.
