Chapter 19 - David Comes Home
David requested a temporary change in assignment schedule.
Not because Hailey demanded it.
Because he finally understood presence had to be chosen.
He could not abandon his career.
Nor did Hailey want him to.
But he restructured what he could.
Dinner became protected when possible.
Sunday breakfast became theirs.
Phones stayed away.
One Sunday Hailey asked:
“Are you doing all this because you feel guilty?”
“Yes.”
David’s answer surprised her.
He continued.
“And because I learned something.”
“What?”
“Guilt is only useful if it changes behavior.”
Hailey smiled.
“That sounds like Rachel.”
“She has infected the family.”
They laughed.
Then Hailey admitted another fear.
“What if I become like Mrs. Brennan?”
David stopped.
“Why would you?”
“I liked when she got arrested.”
“She wasn’t arrested in front of you.”
“You know what I mean.”
“You felt satisfaction about consequences.”
“I wanted her scared.”
David considered.
“Anger can want ugly things.”
Hailey looked at him.
“That doesn't mean you become them.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you choose what you do next.”
Same lesson.
May you like
Again.
Choice.
