I bought some cheese, fresh bread, and a small jar of homemade jam.
Claire insisted on buying me a scarf I’d admired at one of the stalls.
I started to refuse.
Then I stopped myself.
“I really do like it,” I admitted.
“Then get it.”
I reached into my purse.
“I can buy it myself.”
Claire smiled.
“Of course you can, Mom.”
There was no disappointment in her voice.
No pressure.
No attempt to make the decision for me.
So I paid for my scarf.
It was such a small purchase, but I felt strangely happy as I put the change back into my purse.
I hadn’t refused out of habit.
I hadn’t accepted just to please her.
I had simply chosen.
Later, we bought two ice creams and sat on a bench facing the sea.
Claire glanced at my blue sweater.
“You know, Noah asked me why you never wore it.”
