Chapter 13 - Daniel Asked Me for One Last Favor
Daniel called a year after our divorce.
"I need help."
I almost laughed.
"With what?"
"My mother."
Evelyn was nearing release after serving part of her sentence under a plea agreement.
She had nowhere she considered acceptable to live.
"She has the Scottsdale condo."
"She sold it for legal fees."
I said nothing.
"She wants me to take her in."
"Then decide whether you want to."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"I'm finally trying to rebuild my life."
I understood the irony immediately.
For years, Daniel demanded I tolerate Evelyn because she was family.
Now he wanted permission not to.
"You don't need my permission."
"She says I owe her."
"Do you?"
Silence.
Then Daniel said, "I don't know anymore."
I softened slightly.
"Then figure it out with a therapist, not your ex-wife."
He laughed.
A tired, genuine laugh.
"Still a social worker."
"Unfortunately."
"Claire?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
He had apologized before.
This sounded different because it requested nothing.
"Thank you."
"I know that doesn't fix anything."
"No."
"I know you don't owe me forgiveness."
"No."
Another pause.
"I'm glad you're happy."
This time, I smiled.
"So am I."
We hung up.
I never spoke to him again.
May you like
And that was okay.
Closure is sometimes simply the last conversation becoming ordinary.
