Chapter 8 - NEXT CHRISTMASMichael almost skipped Christmas the following year.
Sophie refused.
“I like Christmas.”
He stared.
“After last year?”
“That was Grandpa.”
Not Christmas.
Michael smiled.
Children sometimes separated things better than adults.
They bought a small tree.
Helen was invited.
Michael hesitated before allowing it.
She had spent a year in therapy and had cooperated fully with investigations.
More importantly, she didn't demand forgiveness.
She asked permission.
That mattered.
Helen arrived holding one present.
She gave it to Sophie.
Inside was a plain wooden snowman.
Unpainted.
Sophie looked confused.
Helen said:
“I thought maybe we could decorate it together. Only if you want.”
Sophie looked at Michael.
He said:
“Your choice.”
She thought.
Then nodded.
They painted.
No expensive gifts.
No audience.
No humiliation.
Helen cried when Sophie painted an enormous orange nose.
“Grandma, why are you crying?”
Helen laughed.
“Because apparently snowmen need big noses.”
May you like
Michael looked away.
Rachel would've laughed too.
