When We Were Opening Christmas Gifts, My 5-Year-Old Shouted, “Yes! The Other Mom Kept Her Promise!”
“I think she has a crush on me,” he said casually, like it was no big deal.
I remember looking up from the counter. “What do you mean?”
“She makes comments when we’re alone,” he explained. “About my suit. My cologne. Stuff like that. Nothing extreme. Just uncomfortable.”
I asked a few questions, but I didn’t push. He came to me. He was honest. Or so I thought.
We let her go.
At the time, I felt reassured. It felt like proof that we were still on the same team. I ignored the small voice in my head that whispered there was more to the story.
I told myself I was being silly.
I relaxed.
Christmas morning arrived a few months later, and I believed that chapter was behind us.
