Page 65 of Empty Net
It should not be this hard.
On the other end, Dana exhales. Not surprise. Not shock. Something closer to a held breath changing shape.
"Okay," she says.
Okay. One of the useful words. One of the words that can hold more weight than it looks built for.
"His name is Caleb."
I say it fast, like the name might burn if I hold it too long.
Dana is quiet for one second.
"Caleb," she repeats.
My chest does something unpleasant.
"Yes."
"Is he good to you?"
I close my eyes.
Not are you sure. Not since when. Not I knew it. Not why didn't you tell me. Is he good to you.
"He tries."
"That's not an answer."
"It is the answer I have."
"Fine." A pause. "Are you good to him?"
Worse question.
"I try."
"Also not an answer."
"Dana."
"You called me at eleven at night, so you bought the full sister package. No refunds."
I almost smile. Almost. It hurts.
"I'm not," I say.
The words come out before I approve them.
Dana goes quiet.
"I'm not good to him," I say, because apparently the first sentence opened a gate and now the facts are walking out. "Not the way he deserves. I leave. I don't say things. I make him do all the careful work and then I punish him for being careful by needing it."
"Did he say that?"
"No."
"Then maybe don't put words in his mouth while you're having trouble with your own."
