Chapter 8 - THE STORY THEY TOLD
Daniel had told the neighbors his mother was having “a difficult period.”
Rebecca had used a different word.
Unstable.
Denise repeated it carefully over the phone.
“She said you’ve been forgetful. That taking the furniture was impulsive.”
Margaret sat in her parked car outside the community building.
“Did you believe her?”
“No.”
The answer came so quickly Margaret had to close her eyes.
“She asked whether I knew where you were,” Denise continued. “I said you were safe and that she could ask you directly.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s more.”
Margaret looked through the windshield.
A man was helping his wife carry groceries.
Such an ordinary thing.
“They’ve told the children you decided you didn’t want to live with them anymore.”
Margaret’s chest hurt.
That evening, Emily called from Daniel’s phone.
“Grandma?”
“Hello, sweetheart.”
“Did we do something?”
Margaret sat down immediately.
“No.”
“Mom says you were unhappy with everybody.”
“I was unhappy with some choices the grown-ups made. That has nothing to do with how much I love you and Jack.”
Emily sniffed.
“Dad says you need quiet now.”
“I enjoy quiet sometimes. I also enjoy hearing about your science project.”
A small silence.
“It’s on desert animals.”
“Then I’m going to need a full report.”
Jack took the phone next.
“Are you mad because I broke your mug?”
Margaret pressed a hand against her mouth.
That had happened three months ago.
She had not known he was still carrying it.
“No, baby. A mug is a mug.”
“You said Grandpa bought it.”
“He did. And Grandpa loved you much more than he loved a cup.”
“Can I come see your new house?”
“Yes. We’ll arrange a visit.”
Rebecca interrupted.
“That’s enough for tonight.”
“Rebecca,” Margaret said before she could take the phone away, “please don’t make the children explain something you and Daniel chose.”
“We’re the ones holding them together after you walked out.”
“I moved. I didn’t stop being their grandmother.”
The call ended.
Margaret stared at the dark screen.
Then she called Ellen.
“I need a meeting,” she said. “With both of them.”
“We can arrange that.”
“And I want everything in writing afterward.”
The following morning, Margaret received a photograph from Denise.
A yard sign stood outside Daniel’s house.
Not a sale sign.
May you like
A real estate company’s rental sign.
Daniel had made another decision without asking her.
