Chapter 13 - MAISIE ASKED THE QUESTION I FEAREDShe was six when she asked.
We were making grilled cheese.
Lily was coloring at the island.
Maisie said:
“Did you know I was born?”
I stopped.
“No.”
“Mommy says no.”
“That’s true.”
“Would you have come?”
My throat tightened.
“Yes.”
Immediately.
No hesitation.
“I would have come.”
She watched my face carefully.
“How fast?”
Children want measurable love.
“As fast as an airplane could get me there.”
She nodded.
Then:
“Would you have taken me away from Mommy?”
That answer was harder.
“I don’t know.”
She looked disappointed.
I crouched.
“I didn’t know who Mommy was then. I didn’t know what was happening. I would have wanted you safe. I also would have wanted you to know both of us if that could happen safely.”
That was the truth.
She considered it.
Then:
“Grandma Diane said you would come.”
My eyes filled.
“Did she?”
“Yes.”
“She said Mommy was scared because Daddy was stubborn.”
I laughed despite myself.
Diane had not been wrong.
Maisie handed me half her grilled cheese.
“For you.”
I took it.
May you like
That was the first time she gave food away voluntarily.
Another tiny miracle.
