Chapter 14 - THE LAST TIME DIANE BLAMED MEGAN
Three months passed.
Diane did not see Noah.
She mailed birthday presents.
Megan returned the first package because it arrived without discussion.
The second time, Diane asked Eric first.
He said they would accept a book.
Not candy.
Not medicine.
Not anything consumable.
Diane agreed.
It was a small sign.
Then she ruined it.
At a family brunch hosted by Carol, Diane cornered Megan near the coat closet.
“You got what you wanted.”
Megan turned.
“What?”
“My son barely speaks to me.”
Megan felt the old impulse rise.
Explain.
Defend.
Prove.
She let it pass.
“Talk to Eric about Eric.”
Diane’s eyes narrowed.
“You filled his head with therapy language.”
Megan almost smiled.
“You really still think I'm controlling him by convincing him you control him?”
Diane looked away.
That was the first crack.
Then Noah ran toward Megan from the living room.
Diane instinctively stepped forward.
Megan picked him up.
Not dramatically.
Simply first.
Diane stopped.
Noah recognized her.
“Grandma.”
Diane’s face broke.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Megan felt Noah’s arms around her neck.
He was safe.
He was cheerful.
He was not afraid of Diane.
That made the boundary harder, not easier.
Diane reached out.
“Can I hug him?”
Megan looked at Eric across the room.
He walked over.
For months Megan had feared this exact moment.
The public test.
Family watching.
Diane emotional.
The temptation to weaken the rule so nobody felt cruel.
Eric stood beside his wife.
“Not today.”
Diane stared at him.
“He knows me.”
“I know.”
“I'm his grandmother.”
“I know.”
“I said I was sorry.”
Eric’s expression tightened.
“You said you were sorry this happened.”
Diane went still.
“That isn't the same as saying you were wrong to do it.”
Around them, conversations faded.
The same family that had once watched Megan absorb Diane’s criticism now watched Eric refuse to rescue his mother from the consequence.
Diane looked at Megan.
Megan shook her head.
“Don't put this on me.”
Then Eric said:
“Mom, if you want a relationship with Noah again, start by telling the truth without explaining why you deserved an exception.”
Diane’s mouth opened.
May you like
Nothing came out.
For the first time, the family waited for her instead.
