“Ask, ‘How do you feel when you're there?’”
“That’s good.”
“Also, if child says they don't want to stay somewhere, don't assume manipulation.”
I smiled sadly.
“That one for me?”
“Partly.”
“Fair.”
There it was again.
Fair.
The word became family joke.
When Nia married at thirty, Malik walked her down half aisle with me.
Her idea.
He had become her brother in every meaningful way.
Zoe was maid of honor.
Renee was invited.
So was Terrence.
Elaine sat beside me during reception.
At one point Renee approached.
Gray in her hair now.
Still elegant.
Older.
Softer.
“Marcus.”
“Renee.”
“You look good.”
“So do you.”
She smiled.
Then looked toward Nia dancing.
“She’s beautiful.”
“Yes.”
“You did well.”
I shook my head.
“She did.”
Renee nodded.
After a moment:
“I’m glad she let me come.”
“So am I.”
“She told me something today.”
“What?”
“That she forgave me.”
I looked toward her.
Renee’s eyes filled.
“I told her she didn't have to.”
“Good.”
She smiled through tears.
“That's what she said you would say.”
We stood.
Two people who had once loved each other.
Then damaged each other.
Then became history.
Renee asked:
“Do you ever think what would've happened if you hadn't checked camera?”
Yes.
Often.
“I try not to.”
She nodded.
“Me too.”
Then:
“I think eventually I would have gotten worse.”
That honesty landed heavily.
Renee continued:
“I was already telling myself harsher discipline was working.”
“If you hadn't seen…”
She shook head.
“I don't like imagining.”