“I really do.” There was a pause. “Can I tell you something? When I first met Emily, I was overwhelmed by her. She was so direct, so intense, so completely unlike anyone I’d ever known. I didn't know how to talk to her, how to connect with her. I kept waiting for her to soften, to meet me halfway.”
“That's not how she works.”
“No, it's not. And eventually I realized that the problem wasn't Emily. The problem was me expecting her to conform to my idea of how people should interact.” Beth laughed softly. “Once I stopped expecting her to be different and started appreciating who she actually was, everything changed. She became one of my favorite people in the world.”
Eve wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “She feels the same way about you, you know. She doesn't say it often, but I can tell. You're the first person outside of me who really saw her.”
“I'm honored by that. And I promise you, Eve, I will take care of her. Not by hovering or protecting her from everything, but by giving her space to be herself. By giving her work that matters and a role that has meaning. By treating her like an adult who is capable of making her own decisions.”
“That's what she needs.” Eve's voice was thick. “That's what I've been trying to give her, but I'm her mother. It's hard not to hover.”
“I understand. I'm about to become a mother myself, and I'malready worrying about everything that could go wrong.” Beth paused. “But I also know that the best thing I can do for my children is help them become independent. That's what you've done for Emily. You've raised a remarkable woman. Now it's time to let her fly.”
Eve nodded, even though Beth couldn't see her. “You're right. I know you're right. It's just hard.”
“It's supposed to be hard. That's how you know it matters. Don’t forget, you can come and visit any time you want. We’re not that far away, and I think you’d love staying in the country for a bit.”
“I’d love that. Thank you, Beth.”
They talked for a while longer, about practical things. Emily's medications, her routines, the foods she couldn't eat and the textures she couldn't tolerate. Eve shared insights about her daughter that Beth might not know, the warning signs of overstimulation, the techniques that helped her calm down, the way she needed time alone to recharge after social interactions.
Beth listened and asked questions and promised to remember. And slowly, gradually, Eve felt the knot in her chest begin to loosen.
“There's one more thing,” Eve said finally. “The kidney.”
“Paolo's kidney.”
“Yes.” Eve paused, gathering her thoughts. “I know it's been two years, and the doctors say she's doing well. But she has to take immunosuppressants for the rest of her life. She's more vulnerable to infections. She has to be careful about certain things, certain exposures.”
“I know. Paolo has talked to me about it. We'll make sure she takes her medications, and we'll watch for any signs of problems.” Beth's voice was steady, reassuring. “She won't be alone, Eve. She'll have Gabriel and me, and Gabriel's father and brother, and my whole family when they visit. She'll be surrounded by people who care about her.”
“That's all I wanted to hear.” Eve let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. “Thank you, Beth. For everything. For loving my daughter, for giving her this chance. I know it's not easy, taking on another person when you're about to have twins.”
“Emily isn't just another person. She's family.” Beth's voice was firm. “She's been family since the moment I learned she existed. The only thing that's changing now is that she'll be close enough for me to remind her of that every day.”
Eve laughed, a real laugh this time. “You sound like your mother.”
“I'll take that as a compliment.”
“It is. Maggie is a remarkable woman. I never expected her to accept me…after everything. Daniel told me he was single, you know. I didn't find out he was married until I was already pregnant with Emily.”
“I know. Mom told me.” Beth paused. “She doesn't blame you, Eve. She never did. The only person responsible for my father’s choices was my father.”
“I still feel guilty sometimes. About being part of something that hurt your family.”
“You also gave us Emily. I'd say that balances the scales.”
Eve smiled, though Beth couldn't see it. “Thank you for saying that.”
“It's the truth.” There was a sound in the background, a door opening. “I think Gabriel just got back from the workshop. I should probably go.”
“Of course. I've taken up enough of your time.”
“You haven't taken up anything. Call me anytime, Eve. I mean that. If you're worried about Emily, if you just want to hear how she's doing, call. You're not an imposition. You're her mother, and that makes you important to me.”
“I will.” Eve paused. “Take care of her, Beth.”
“I will. I promise.”
