Chapter 12
Posy saw Gareth again after fourteen months.
Public garden.
Rosaline present.
I stayed far enough away to let them breathe.
Posy held no bracelet.
Important.
Gareth crouched.
“Hi.”
She stared.
Then:
“You broke beads.”
“Yes.”
“Mommy hurt.”
His face changed.
“Yes.”
“You do that?”
“No.”
She frowned.
“You say sorry.”
He swallowed.
“I’m sorry.”
“To Mommy.”
“I told her.”
Posy shook her head.
“Again.”
Children are ruthless directors.
Gareth looked at Rosaline.
“I’m sorry I hurt you when Posy didn’t perform the way I wanted.”
Specific.
Rosaline nodded.
No forgiveness statement.
Posy then asked:
“And me?”
Gareth closed his eyes briefly.
“I’m sorry I made you believe your mistakes could hurt Mommy.”
There.
Correct.
Posy considered.
Then:
“No bracelet today.”
He almost smiled.
“Okay.”
Ten minutes later she wanted ice cream.
Meeting over.
No hug.
May you like
Gareth accepted.
Good.
