Chapter 14 - Walter Had to Let Eli Move Toward His Mother
At the January meeting, nobody announced that Laurel had been forgiven.
The recommendation was gradual reunification.
Eli would spend two afternoons a week with Laurel.
Then one full Saturday.
If those visits remained stable, an overnight could be considered later.
Walter listened without interrupting.
Laurel did the same.
Outside the office, she approached him.
“You look like somebody died.”
Walter shoved his hands into his coat pockets.
“I’m adjusting.”
“To what?”
“You getting him back.”
Laurel’s expression changed.
“Dad, this isn’t me versus you.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
He gave a reluctant smile.
Apparently everyone enjoyed asking him that now.
He looked through the glass doors at Eli, who was trying to step only on the dark-colored floor tiles.
“He needed me.”
“He still does.”
“Different.”
“Yes.”
Walter nodded.
That was what hurt.
That Saturday, Laurel took Eli to the public library and then for grilled cheese.
Walter checked his phone six times in two hours.
He stopped himself before sending a message.
At 4:57, Laurel’s car pulled into his driveway.
Three minutes early.
Eli came inside carrying three dinosaur books.
“How was it?”
“Good.”
“What did you do?”
“Stuff.”
Walter laughed despite himself.
Laurel remained on the porch.
She did not enter without being invited.
That small boundary mattered.
Walter stepped outside.
“Thank you for bringing him back on time.”
“Of course.”
He wanted to say more.
Instead Laurel did.
“I know Cole hurt Eli.”
Walter listened.
“And I know I helped make it possible by staying silent.”
Her voice shook, but she continued.
“I can spend the rest of my life explaining why I was afraid. None of those reasons get to become excuses.”
Walter nodded.
That was the first apology she had offered without secretly asking him to make her feel better.
Inside the house, Eli called for him.
Walter turned toward the door.
Then Laurel said, “Dad?”
He looked back.
“If Eli eventually wants to come home with me…”
Walter knew exactly what she was asking.
Would he let the boy choose a life that did not center on Walter?
Walter opened the door.
May you like
“Yes.”
It was the hardest promise he had made in years.
