Chapter 6 - The Car Was Chosen Because It Belonged to Enzo
Why the black car?
That answer came from Leo.
His father’s car was the object he associated most strongly with Enzo returning home.
Whenever Enzo’s black sedan entered the garage, Leo ran toward it.
Sometimes before the engine fully shut off.
Claire said he knew the sound.
Helena knew too.
So she transformed the car into a punishment.
The message was cruelly precise.
Dad’s car did not mean Dad was coming home.
Dad’s car meant work.
Obedience.
Hunger.
Helena sometimes told Leo:
“This is what Daddy wants.”
That was the most damaging part.
Leo did not believe Helena was acting against his father.
He believed she was enforcing his father’s wishes.
Enzo discovered that when he asked:
“Why didn’t you tell me Helena wasn’t feeding you?”
Leo answered:
“You know.”
Enzo felt cold.
“What do you mean?”
“She says you know.”
Every rule carried his invisible approval.
Every withheld meal.
Every impossible cleaning task.
Every punishment.
Helena had used Enzo’s absence as authority.
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And Enzo’s own habit of letting her “handle the house” made the lie believable.
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