Chapter 28 - EMMA'S QUESTION
Emma was nine when she asked me the hardest question.
“Why did you save me?”
We were sitting beneath the oak tree.
I looked at her.
“I didn't save you.”
She frowned.
“Then who did?”
“Your mother saved you.”
“She was scared.”
“Yes.”
“But she still tried.”
I smiled.
“Exactly.”
Emma thought about that.
“Then why did you help?”
I looked toward Clara.
“Because someone needed to believe her.”
Emma nodded.
“Do you think people can change?”
“Yes.”
“Even bad people?”
“Sometimes.”
“What about Dante?”
I was silent.
“I don't know.”
She looked disappointed.
“You don't have to know everything.”
I laughed.
“That's true.”
She leaned against my shoulder.
“I think you changed.”
“How?”
“You used to look angry all the time.”
I smiled.
“Do I still?”
“Sometimes.”
She grinned.
“But now you're happier.”
I wrapped an arm around her.
“Because of you.”
Emma shook her head.
“Because of Mommy.”
Then she laughed.
“Maybe both.”
May you like
I laughed too.
That was enough.
