Chapter 13 - I WENT BACK TO WORK
Eventually my unit offered me a promotion.
More responsibility.
Some travel.
I almost refused immediately.
Then realized fear was making the decision.
Valerie was nine.
Mateo was two.
We had stable childcare through Rebecca and a licensed provider Valerie knew well.
No romantic partner automatically became caregiver.
That was another rule I created.
Trust could grow.
Responsibility would remain explicit.
I sat with Valerie.
“My job offered me something.”
Her face tightened.
“Are you leaving?”
“Not like before.”
I explained.
One overnight trip every few months at most.
Rebecca would stay here.
Valerie could call me anytime.
No responsibility for Mateo.
She thought for a long time.
“Can Rex sleep in my room?”
“Yes.”
“Can Aunt Rebecca make pancakes?”
“You’ll have to negotiate with her.”
“Then okay.”
I accepted.
My first overnight trip lasted thirty-one hours.
I called once.
Not twelve times.
Valerie showed me a drawing.
Mateo shouted “Rex” repeatedly.
Rebecca complained that my children had destroyed her sleep.
I came home.
Nothing terrible had happened.
That mattered too.
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Safety could not mean building our lives around never separating again.
That would let Claire continue controlling us from a distance.
