The Questions About Her Mother
As Lily grew more comfortable in our new life, she started asking more questions about Elena.
“What was Mom like when she was my age?”
“Did Mom like strawberry ice cream too?”
“Do I look like her?”
I’d pull out photo albums and tell her stories. About how Elena had insisted on adopting every stray cat in the neighborhood. About her terrible singing voice that she used anyway. About how she’d made friends with absolutely everyone.
“Your mom had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known,” I told Lily one evening. “She would have done anything to protect you.”
“Like you did,” Lily said softly.
“Yes,” I agreed. “Like I did.”
When Daniel Tried to Return
About two years after losing custody, Daniel attempted to re-enter Lily’s life.
He sent letters claiming he’d changed. That he’d been in therapy. That he wanted another chance to be her father.
Lily was nine by then, old enough to have a voice in the decision.
We sat together in the therapist’s office while she asked Lily what she wanted.
“I don’t want to see him,” Lily said clearly. “He wasn’t nice to me before. I don’t think he’s really changed. I’m happy with Grandpa.”
The therapist and I exchanged glances. Her certainty was both heartbreaking and encouraging.
The court honored her wishes. Daniel’s petition for visitation was denied.
He didn’t try again after that.
