Chapter 28 - NOAH'S FIRST BIG QUESTION
Noah was seven when he finally asked the question I knew would come.
“Why can't Grandma come back?”
We were sitting on the porch.
Ryan was beside him.
I waited.
Ryan answered.
“Because some people hurt others and don't accept responsibility for it.”
Noah looked confused.
“But can't people say sorry?”
“Yes.”
“Then why isn't she coming?”
Ryan took a breath.
“Because saying sorry isn't the same as changing.”
Noah thought about that.
“Did you change?”
Ryan looked at me.
Then at Noah.
“Yes.”
“How do you know?”
Ryan smiled.
“Because I don't just say I'm sorry.”
He touched Noah's shoulder.
“I make different choices.”
Noah nodded slowly.
Then he asked:
“Do you miss her?”
Ryan didn't answer immediately.
Finally he said:
“Sometimes.”
Noah looked surprised.
“You can miss someone and still know they shouldn't be near you.”
That sentence stayed with me.
Because it was the truth.
Boundaries did not require hatred.
Protection did not require cruelty.
And forgiveness, if it ever came, did not require access.
Noah leaned against Ryan.
“I'm glad you're my dad.”
Ryan closed his eyes.
May you like
“So am I.”
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