Chapter 26
Two years passed.
Lily entered middle school.
She became taller.
Louder.
Opinionated.
She joined the school newspaper and developed a passionate belief that cafeteria pizza violated several basic principles of cooking.
One night at dinner, she disagreed with me about whether she could attend a friend’s sleepover.
“You’re being unreasonable.”
I raised an eyebrow.
Sarah immediately covered a smile.
“Am I?”
“Yes.”
“Strong opening argument.”
Lily crossed her arms.
“I have evidence.”
“Of course you do.”
She presented her case.
I listened.
Eventually, we compromised.
After Lily went upstairs, Sarah remained at the table smiling.
“What?”
“She argued with you.”
“Yes. Extensively.”
“And she wasn’t scared.”
I understood.
“No.”
Sarah looked toward the staircase.
“She expected you to listen.”
“Yes.”
Her eyes filled slightly.
“That’s what I wanted.”
May you like
I reached across the table.
“That’s what we built.”
