My nerves screamed. “I thought this was about Lily.”
“It is,” she said. “But part of caring for a grieving child is checking in with the person raising them. A guardian’s mental health affects a child’s more than most people realize.”
I scoffed without meaning to. “I don’t think Lily’s grief hinges on whether I’m… fine.”
“Doesn’t it?” she asked gently.
I didn’t answer. Because I didn’t know.
She continued, “Before we go any further, I want to be upfront with you. This is a small town. People talk. I’ve heard pieces of stories about your past. But I won’t believe anything about youunless it comes out of your mouth. If you don’t want to talk about something, we won’t. You set the pace.”
My throat tightened. The relief was immediate and embarrassing.
“Now…” she said, leaning back just slightly, “what’s weighing on you the most right now?”
I barked out something that might have been a laugh. “How long do you have?”
“As long as you need.”
I rubbed a hand over my face. “This whole thing. I don’t know if I’m doing anything right. I don’t know if I’m enough for her.”
“She told me something,” Nora said gently, “that surprised me. She said you’re quieter now. That you weren’t like that before she ran away.”
I stared at the rug beneath my feet, breath stalling.
“She… she noticed?” I managed.
“Children always do.”
I closed my eyes. Shame burned hot and bright under my ribs. “I guess I’m not hiding it as well as I thought.”
“Why do you think you’re quieter?” she asked.
I opened my mouth, sarcasm rising as a shield. “Why do you think? Take your pick.”
She didn’t soften. Just waited patiently.
The fight drained out of me all at once.
“…everything,” I whispered. “Everything is bothering me.
The dam cracked.
“I didn’t go to the funeral. My parents had to do everything, plan it, organize it, stand there alone, while grieving their eldest son and daughter-in-law. And I was too far away, too disconnected, too stupid.” I cut myself off, breath shaking.
“And Lily,” I continued hoarsely. “She deserves better than me. I should be more understanding less frustrated. She should be with someone steadier, someone she could rely on.”
The room blurred.
“And?” Nora’s voice was barely above a whisper. “What else are you carrying?”
I swallowed hard. I didn’t want to say her name.
But it came out anyway.
“Claire.”
My chest caved inward.
