“Why didn’t he tell me?” I asked.
“Because he knew
you,” she said.
“What does that mean?”
“He knew you would immediately try to help.”
I smiled sadly.
“She was right.”
“He didn’t want you to feel that you had to take everything on yourself.”
I looked at the envelope again.
“I wish he had trusted me enough to tell me.”
“He did trust you. That’s why he left the choice with you.”
That distinction stayed with me.
Jack hadn’t left me an obligation.
He had left me a choice.
I began speaking with Ethan’s caregivers and the appropriate professionals
involved in his situation. I learned more about his background, his needs, and what kind of relationship might be possible.
I didn’t promise anything I wasn’t certain I could provide.
Instead, I started slowly.
Ethan began visiting occasionally.
Lucy liked showing him her favorite toys.
