Over pasta, Sophie announced. I invited my new friend Zoe over next weekend. That's great, sweetheart, Mason said. Elena said it was okay, Mason glanced at Elena. She shrugged.
I checked the calendar first. See, Sophie said triumphantly. Elena knows the calendar. Elena knows everything, Ethan said. Not everything, Elena protested.
More than dad. Hey, Mason objected. It's true. You forgot my orthodontist appointment last week. I didn't forget.
I had a board meeting. Elena remembered. Mason sighed. Yes, Elena remembered. Mara spoke up quietly.
The anniversary is tomorrow. The table went silent. Mason's expression shifted. I know, sweetheart. Are we doing the thing?
If you want to. What thing? Elena asked quietly. We go to mom's favorite place, Ethan explained. The botanical gardens, and we bring flowers and talk about her.
It's stupid, Mara muttered. It's not stupid, Mason said firmly. It feels stupid. You don't have to come. Yes, I do.
No, you don't. I'm not letting you and Ethan and Sophie go without me. Then come. But don't call it stupid. Mara pushed her pasta around.
Elena reached over and squeezed her hand. It's okay to not want to go, she said quietly. And it's okay to go anyway. Mara's eyes filled. I hate this.
I know. The next day was gray and cold. Everyone moved slowly through morning routines. Elena made breakfast. Nobody ate much.
Mason appeared in a suit, then changed into jeans and a sweater. The kids dressed in silence. You don't have to come, Mason said to Elena. This is family. I'd like to.
Elena interrupted. If that's okay. Mason looked at his kids. Sophie nodded immediately. Ethan shrugged.
Sure. Mara met Elena's eyes. Okay. They drove to the gardens in silence. It was the first time Elena had seen Mason look truly vulnerable.
He carried a bouquet of white roses, Caroline's favorite. They walked through the winter gardens until they reached a small memorial bench with Caroline's name on a plaque. Mason sat. The kids gathered around. Elena hung back, giving them space.
"Hey, Mom," Mason said quietly. And then he started talking about the kids' accomplishments, Sophie's reading progress, Ethan's soccer goals, Mara's latest art piece. The kids added their own updates. It was heartbreaking and beautiful. When they finished, Mara stood abruptly and walked away.
Elena followed. She found Mara sitting on a bench crying. I'm sorry, Mara gasped. I just You don't have to apologize. "I miss her so much. " "I know.