The First Saturday Back
Chapter 16 - The First Saturday Back
Richard arrived at eight in the morning wearing old jeans and carrying a toolbox.
Claire’s children watched him from the porch.
For months, they had known only that Grandpa had “made bad choices.”
Claire refused to teach them hatred.
But she also refused to teach them that family meant unlimited access.
Richard worked silently.
He replaced two windows.
Fixed a leaking frame.
Repaired the crooked back step.
At noon, Claire brought him a sandwich.
He looked surprised.
“Thank you.”
She sat on the step beside him.
“I still don’t trust you.”
“I know.”
“I still get angry when I look at Mom’s handwriting.”
“I know.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive the affair.”
Richard nodded.
“I know.”
Claire looked at him.
“But I also don’t want your worst year to become the only thing my children remember about you.”
Richard covered his eyes.
That was the first small bridge between them.
Not forgiveness.
May you like
Not yet.
But a bridge.
