She brought gifts.
The boys finally told her to stop.
One day George said, “We don’t need stuff. Just talk to us.”
Apparently, that got through.
She began asking about school.
Actually asking.
Then listening.
She learned Jeffrey preferred art to video games.
She learned George wanted to build robots.
She learned which one was allergic to one brand of sunscreen.
She learned birthdays.
Teachers’ names.
Favorite foods.
Small things.
The things that make a person known.
I didn’t trust her quickly.
I still don’t trust her completely.
Trust isn’t a light switch.
It’s a bridge.
And Vanessa burned hers down ten years ago.
If she wants another one, she will have to build it plank by plank.
