Chapter 13 - Sophie Learns the Story
When Sophie was seven, she saw the torn uniform at the center.
“Was that Mommy’s?”
Leah and I had prepared for the question.
“Yes,” Leah said.
“Why did she wear it?”
“Some adults in the family treated me badly while Dad was away.”
Sophie looked at me.
“Did you know?”
“Not enough.”
“What does that mean?”
“I knew people were disrespecting your mother, but I did not understand how dangerous it had become. I kept leaving for work instead of fixing the problems.”
“Did you save her?”
I looked at Leah.
“No,” I said. “Your mother saved evidence and contacted people who could help. I came home and supported her, but she had already begun saving herself.”
Leah’s eyes filled with tears.
Sophie studied the uniform again.
“Did Grandma Celia make her wear it?”
“Yes.”
“Is that why she is in prison?”
“She is in prison for several serious crimes.”
“Do you love her?”
The question came with a child’s directness.
“I remember loving her. I also believe she is responsible for what she did.”
“Can both happen?”
“Yes.”
Sophie nodded.
“Mommy, were you scared?”
“Very.”
“Were you brave?”
“Sometimes. Other times I was tired, confused, and afraid.”
“But you still did it.”
“I asked for help.”
Sophie looked at the center’s busy hallway, where attorneys, counselors, former employees, and families moved between rooms.
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“Is asking for help brave?”
“It can be.”
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