“No,” she admitted. “It isn’t.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you had examinations. Because Grace watches your face whenever bad news enters a room. Because you already carry too much.”
Mason pushed both hands through his hair.
“So you decided I couldn’t handle it.”
“I decided I wanted you to have one peaceful month.”
“It wasn’t peaceful. I knew you were hiding something.”
His grandmother’s eyes shone.
“I’m sorry.”
Mason turned away from the screen.
Henry understood the impulse. It was easier to look at a wall than at someone whose love had caused pain.
After a moment, Mason faced her again.
“Are you going to be okay?”
“The doctors believe so. But recovery may take time. Claire helped me consider what would happen if I needed assistance with Grace or if you required an adult legally responsible for school matters.”
“And you chose Henry?”
“No. Claire suggested him.”
“You never met him.”
“Claire trusted him.”
Mason looked at Henry.
Henry felt the weight of that trust more strongly than he had when Anna first showed him the petition.
Mason’s grandmother continued, “Nothing has been decided. I signed no permanent transfer. I would never give either of you away.”
Grace’s voice came from outside the kitchen.
“I can hear you!”
Her grandmother closed her eyes briefly.
Grace appeared in the doorway, clutching a drawing.
“You said nobody was in trouble.”
“We aren’t,” Mason said.
“Are you coming home?”
The question erased the last of his anger.
Mason moved closer to the screen.
“Yes.”
“When?”
“After I finish what Claire asked me to do.”
“Tomorrow?”
“I don’t know.”
Grace’s lower lip began to tremble.
Henry stepped forward.
“Mason will come home,” he said.
Grace studied him suspiciously.
“Promise?”
Henry had made promises involving money, deadlines, and outcomes he could control. This promise involved people, courts, illness, and grief.
He chose his words carefully.
“I promise no one here is trying to take your brother away from you.”
Grace looked at Mason.
“Is that true?”
Mason nodded.
“Yes.”
She seemed satisfied.
“Then don’t forget the chocolate.”
