Chapter 13 - Jonathan And Michael End Their War
Michael and Jonathan had spent four years blaming each other for Sarah’s absence.
Not her death.
Her absence before death.
Jonathan believed Michael monopolized her final months.
Michael believed Jonathan brought corporate battles into a home already consumed by cancer.
Both had evidence.
Both had exaggerated it.
One evening, they sat on the terrace after Lily went to bed.
Jonathan said:
“I hated you because she chose to spend her last Christmas here.”
Michael answered:
“She asked me not to invite you.”
Jonathan looked away.
Michael continued:
“She was angry about the board fight. I should’ve pushed harder.”
“I should’ve stopped making every phone call about Charles.”
Silence.
Then Jonathan said:
“We wasted four years.”
“Yes.”
“Do we have to hug now?”
“No.”
“Good.”
They laughed.
That was enough.
Their repaired relationship mattered to Lily.
She no longer felt tension whenever her uncle entered the mansion.
Eleanor noticed too.
She did not take credit.
For once, the older generation allowed the younger adults to repair something without managing it.
Lily began asking more about Sarah.
Michael stopped giving only beautiful stories.
He told her Sarah hated folding laundry.
She sang off-key.
She once drove forty miles with a coffee cup on the roof of her car.
She was brave during treatment.
She was also frightened.
She kept secrets she later regretted.
Lily listened.
“Was Mommy good?”
Michael smiled.
“Your mom was a person.”
Lily considered.
May you like
“That sounds better.”
It was.
