Not approval.
Interest.
“Okay.”
They built a gradual plan.
Nora remained primarily in Cedar Ridge during the school year.
Alexandra received expanding visitation.
Weekends.
School breaks.
Then longer summer periods.
Therapy accompanied the transition.
Not because Nora was “damaged.”
Because every adult involved understood that loving three parents, one of whom was dead and one newly returned from the dead as far as family mythology went, was too complicated to leave entirely to instinct.
The therapist was Dr. Melissa Grant.
Her first rule surprised all of them.
“No one asks Nora what she wants every day.”
Alexandra frowned.
“Why?”
“Because adults who fear losing children often turn children into decision-makers.”
Ethan sat straighter.
Melissa continued.
“She may have preferences.”
“She should be heard.”
“But she should not feel responsible for keeping either of you emotionally alive.”
That silenced them.
Melissa looked at Alexandra.
“Do not cry every time she chooses Ethan.”
Alexandra’s face flushed.
“I don't.”
Ethan looked at her.
She glared.
Melissa looked at Ethan.
“And do not act wounded when she chooses Alexandra.”
“I don't.”
Alexandra looked at him.
He glared back.
Melissa sighed.
“Wonderful.”
“We’ve established both adults lie under pressure.”
Nora, sitting between them, started laughing.
Therapy worked partly because Melissa had no patience for anyone’s mythology.
When Nora said she wanted to spend an extra night at Alexandra’s apartment, Ethan felt something twist inside him.
He did not show it.
Not well enough.
Melissa called him after.
“You looked like she announced she was moving to Mars.”
“She asked for one night.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
Ethan stared at floor.
“Because one night becomes weekend.”
“Weekend becomes half time.”
“Half becomes…”
“Stops.”
Melissa waited.
Ethan exhaled.
“I know.”
“No.”
“You fear replacement.”
“Yes.”
“Say it plainly.”
“I fear the woman who gave birth to her will become more real than me.”
Melissa nodded.
“And what do you do with that?”
“Nothing.”
“Wrong.”
Ethan looked up.
“You acknowledge privately.”
“You get support.”
“You do not make Nora pay.”
That became one of his hardest lessons.
Alexandra had her own.
Nora returned from a weekend trip with Ethan talking excitedly about Hannah.
They had visited Hannah’s grave.
Nora described how Ethan used to bring flowers every year on their anniversary.
Alexandra listened.
Then became quiet.
Too quiet.
Nora noticed.
“Are you mad?”
“No.”
“You look mad.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
Alexandra hated being seen so easily.
She said:
“I’m jealous.”
Nora blinked.
“Of Mom?”
Alexandra’s throat tightened.
“Yes.”
“She's dead.”
“I know.”
“That’s weird.”
“Yes.”
Nora looked almost offended.
“She saved me.”
“I know.”
“She loved me.”
“I know.”
Alexandra’s eyes filled.
“That’s why I’m jealous.”