But each ordinary morning became a small victory.
The sound of Leo asking for cereal felt miraculous.
So did his complaints about vegetables.
So did the sight of his toy trucks scattered across our living room floor.
Meanwhile, my mother’s world continued changing.
The foundation issued a correction concerning its unauthorized use of Leo’s photograph.
Its independent review continued, with questions referred to the appropriate professionals rather than decided through family arguments.
My purported guarantee was formally disputed, and Rebecca pursued the necessary steps to establish my rights.
No court had yet made every final determination.
But I was no longer being pressured to accept a document I had never knowingly signed.
Chloe moved out of Eleanor’s house shortly after the estate was listed.
She enrolled in college and began making decisions without asking our mother to approve every detail.
David and I helped her find a modest apartment near campus.
