She is not an opportunity for you to repair your past.

She is a child who still cries sometimes because she cannot remember the sound of her mother’s laugh.”

Natalie put both hands around her untouched cup.

“I would like to learn what she likes.

Even if that’s all you ever allow.”

“Then start there,” I said.

“Why would you do something like that?” I demanded angrily.

“I couldn’t bring myself to actually approach you,” Natalie explained, looking down at her hands.