That afternoon, Leo ran into the kitchen carrying a drawing.
“Mommy, look!”
I crouched beside him.
The paper showed four figures standing beneath an enormous yellow sun.
One was tall and wore brown boots.
One wore a blue dress.
One had long hair and a crown.
The smallest figure held a stuffed lion.
“Who’s this?”
I asked, pointing to the crowned figure.
“Aunt Chloe.”
“And this one?”
“Daddy.”
I smiled.
“And the beautiful lady?”
“That’s you!”
I pointed to the little figure holding the lion.
“And who’s this handsome boy?”
Leo grinned.
“Me!”
I studied the drawing.
“Where’s Grandma?”
His smile faded slightly.
“Grandma Eleanor?”
I nodded.
He thought for a moment.
“She yelled when I spilled juice on her couch.”
I felt something break quietly inside me.
He didn’t remember her glamorous parties or expensive presents.
He remembered being afraid of making a mistake.
