Chapter 12 - Mia Stopped Wanting to Get Into Cars
Mia recovered physically faster than emotionally.
For the first week she screamed whenever a car door closed.
If Dominic—no, Silvio reminded himself, focus—if Silvio buckled her into a seat and walked around to the driver’s side, she panicked.
“Don’t lock me!”
He stopped taking her anywhere unless necessary.
Then the child therapist gave him better advice.
Do not turn cars into forbidden objects.
Rebuild control slowly.
So they began with the SUV parked in the driveway.
Doors open.
Engine off.
Silvio sat beside Mia in the back seat.
She climbed out whenever she wanted.
Next day:
Door closed, unlocked.
Then open again.
Later:
Short drive around the block.
Ethan came every time.
He sat beside his sister and kept one hand on the door handle even when they told him he didn’t need to.
Silvio never corrected him.
Children often invent their own rituals of safety before adults can teach better ones.
Weeks later, Mia finally fell asleep in the car again.
Silvio saw her in the mirror.
Head tilted.
Mouth slightly open.
Completely relaxed.
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He nearly pulled over just to breathe.
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