Chapter 11 - NORA’S QUESTION
Nora learned almost none of the business details.
She was seven.
She needed a father, not a deposition.
But children understand emotional weather.
One night she asked Samuel:
“Was the important man bad?”
Samuel was washing dishes.
He dried his hands.
“No.”
She frowned.
“He tried to take our seats.”
“He wanted a seat. Other people tried to take ours for him.”
“Is that different?”
“Yes.”
“Did he know?”
“He knew somebody else would probably lose something so he could get what he wanted.”
Nora considered that.
“That sounds bad.”
Samuel smiled.
“It was.”
“But he isn’t bad?”
Samuel sat beside her.
“People are more complicated than one thing they do.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Grandma says that when Uncle Mike forgets birthdays.”
Samuel laughed.
“Your grandmother uses wisdom irresponsibly.”
Nora smiled.
Then asked:
“Did Mom know about Kandahar?”
“Yes.”
“Did she know you were brave?”
“She knew I was annoying.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
Samuel looked at her.
“Yes. She knew.”
Nora nodded.
Then returned to coloring.
May you like
Children sometimes close emotional conversations without ceremony.
Adults could learn from them.
