“I will repair generations of damage.”
“And Vale House?”
I smiled.
“It will become a free rehabilitation center for people recovering from memory-related illnesses and long-term isolation.”
For the first time, Lenora had no answer.
“Evelyn chose the name,” I added. “The Carl Bennett Center for Lost Families.”
Pain crossed her face at Carl’s name.
“You think he won.”
“No.”
“Then who did?”
“No one. That was the problem. Everyone treated our family like a game someone had to win.”
I stood.
Lenora placed one hand against the glass.
“Claire.”
I paused.
“I did love your mother.”
“I believe you.”
She seemed surprised.
“Love without freedom is another kind of prison,” I said.
Then I left.
One year after Carl’s f/u/neral, we gathered at the lakeside cabin.
The structure had been repaired, but we kept the carved rabbit beneath the kitchen window. The letters L, E, and C remained visible.
