Chapter 6 - MICAH ASKED THE QUESTION BRETT COULDN’T ANSWER
Brett moved into a hotel.
Not because Audrey threw him out theatrically.
Because Naomi advised separate residences while they sorted finances and custody.
Micah did not take it well.
He became quieter.
School called once because he snapped at a teacher.
Audrey arranged counseling.
No shame.
A twelve-year-old had watched his father publicly replace his mother.
He deserved somewhere safe to be angry.
---
One Sunday, Brett came to take Micah to lunch.
Audrey stayed out of it.
Father and son needed their own relationship.
Three hours later, Micah came home early.
Alone.
Audrey found him sitting on the stairs.
“What happened?”
He shrugged.
“Nothing.”
“Micah.”
His eyes filled.
“I asked Dad if Sierra knew the recipes were yours.”
Audrey sat beside him.
“And?”
“He said business is complicated.”
Of course.
“What else?”
Micah swallowed.
“I asked why he gave her Grandma Opal’s pin.”
Audrey’s chest tightened.
“He said it was a mistake.”
“Okay.”
“Then I asked why he gave her your earrings too.”
Silence.
Micah started crying.
“He got mad.”
“At you?”
“He said I was repeating things I don’t understand.”
Audrey took his hand.
“You don’t need to understand the whole marriage.”
“I understand stealing.”
That hurt.
Then:
“I asked him one more thing.”
“What?”
Micah looked at her.
“Why didn’t he just leave before he started acting like you were already gone?”
Audrey stopped breathing.
“What did he say?”
“Nothing.”
Micah wiped his face.
“He just looked at me.”
Children can ask questions adults spend years avoiding.
---
Later, Brett texted.
You need to stop involving Micah in adult issues.
Audrey stared at it.
Then replied:
I agree. That includes bringing your affair partner to a company gala in front of him wearing property taken from his mother.
No answer.
May you like
Good.
---
