“Get it.”
“I’m trying.”
“Try faster.”
The words came out sharper than I intended.
Ethan went quiet.
Then said, “I will.”
For once, he didn’t correct my tone.
Didn’t tell me to calm down.
Didn’t take control.
That mattered.
More than I wanted it to.
“Ethan?”
“Yes?”
“I’m not forgiving you.”
“I know.”
“But I need you to tell me everything from now on.”
“Yes.”
“No deciding what I can handle.”
“Yes.”
“No protecting me with lies.”
His answer took longer.
Then:
“Yes.”
I looked at Lily.
“Good.”
I ended the call.
Marisol sat slowly.
“Well.”
I stared at her.
“You already used that word.”
“It continues to apply.”
Then Lily looked up from the floor.
“Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“I made us a house.”
She held up the page.
There were three figures in front of a square with a chimney.
Lily.
