“And the neighbor?” Rob asked.
“He’s serving a life sentence,” I said. “But that girl… she grew up, studied medicine, and is now a pediatrician. She sends me a card every Christmas. She says I saved her life. But actually, she gave meaning to mine.”
“That’s why you were so tenacious with Chelsea,” Rob said. “Because you know how to investigate. How not to give up.”
“Yes,” I replied. “But also because it was my family. And for my family, I will always fight.”
Ethan came running back, excited.
“Grandma, Dad—there’s a music festival over there. Can we go?” he asked.
“Let’s go,” I said, standing up.
We went to the festival. It was a Mother’s Day celebration, with local music, food stalls, and crafts. We ate street corn, drank lemonade, and danced to the rhythm of a local band playing old songs. At one point, while Ethan was buying cotton candy, Rob took my hands and made me dance to “Amazing Grace.” I laughed like I hadn’t laughed in years. People around us looked and smiled.
“This,” Rob said, spinning me clumsily, “this is what we should have been doing all along. Laughing together. Enjoying together.”
“It’s never too late to start, son,” I said.
When we returned home at dusk, we were tired but happy. Ethan went to his room to do homework. Rob and I stayed in the living room, drinking chamomile tea.
“Mom, there’s something else I want to tell you,” he said.
“Tell me,” I said.
“I’m thinking of starting to date someone,” he said. “A coworker. Her name is Elena. She’s an architect. She has a twelve-year-old daughter.”
My first instinct was to tense up, but I took a deep breath.
“What is she like?” I asked.
“Kind. Genuine. Divorced three years ago. She has no interest in my money because she earns more than me,” he said, smiling. “And most importantly, when I told her what happened with Chelsea—about my mistakes—she didn’t run away. She listened to me. And she told me that everyone deserves a second chance if they are willing to do the work.”
“She sounds like a smart woman,” I said.
“She is,” he said. “And I would like you to meet her. But only if you are ready. I won’t pressure you.”
“Does Ethan know her?” I asked.
“Not yet,” Rob said. “I wanted to talk to you first. Because after what happened, I need to do things right. I need us all to be on the same page.”
I placed my hand on his.
“Son, you deserve to be happy,” I said. “You deserve love. Just take your time. Get to know her well. And when you’re sure—when you know it’s real—then introduce us.”
“Thank you, Mom,” he said.
“But Rob, one thing,” I added.
“Yes?” he asked.
“If ever, in any future relationship, you feel someone is pulling you away from your family—from Ethan, from me—promise me you will stop it immediately,” I said.
“I promise you,” he replied. “I will never let anyone separate me from you again.”
