Elena. Yeah. Have you thought any more about what you want to do long-term? The question had been coming up more frequently lately. Elena poured herself cereal, buying time.
I'm still figuring it out. You've been figuring it out for 3 months. And and I'm wondering if maybe you're avoiding the answer. Elena bristled. I'm not avoiding anything.
I'm trying to build a foundation before I make major decisions. That's very rational. Why do you sound skeptical? Because you've been using rationality as a shield since you got here. Mason leaned against the counter.
At some point, you have to stop planning and start living. This from the man who plans his daily schedule down to 15-minute increments. That's work. This is different. How?
Mason opened his mouth, closed it. I don't know, he admitted. But it is. Before Elena could respond, thundering footsteps announced the arrival of all three kids. Elena.
Sophie burst in wearing mismatched socks and an inside out shirt. I can't find my permission slip. Kitchen drawer. I signed it yesterday. Oh.
Sophie deflated slightly. Thanks. Ethan appeared next, holding his science fair project like it was a bomb. Do you think this is good enough? Elena studied the carefully constructed volcano.
It's perfect. It's basic. Everyone does volcanoes. Not everyone does them well. Yours actually works.
That's the bare minimum. Ethan Mason's voice held a warning. Your project is great. You have to say that. You're my dad.
I don't have to say anything, but I'm saying it because it's true. Ethan didn't look convinced, but he stopped arguing. Mara drifted in last, headphones on, lost in her own world. Mason tapped her shoulder. She pulled off the headphones.
What? Good morning to you, too. Morning. Mara grabbed an apple. Are you actually coming tonight?
To your art show? Yes. You said that last time and then had an emergency meeting. Mason's jaw tightened. That was once, and it actually was an emergency.
Sure, Mara. I'm just saying, don't promise if you can't follow through. She left before Mason could respond. Elena watched the frustration cross his face. She doesn't mean it, she said quietly.
Yes, she does. Okay, she does. But only because she's scared you'll disappoint her. I disappointed her once. Once is all it takes when you've already been abandoned.
Elena rinsed her bowl. Her mom died. Her biological parents gave her up. Every adult in her life has left somehow. So when you miss something, even with a good reason, she hears, "You're not important enough. " Mason was quiet for a long moment.
How do I fix that? Show up tonight and keep showing up consistently until she believes you're not going anywhere. That simple? That hard. The morning passed in controlled chaos.