Elena moved further into the room. I want you to say whatever you actually feel. I just did. Okay. Mara blinked.
That's it. No lecture about how I should go anyway. Not my place. Dad would lecture me. I'm not your dad.
Exactly. So why do you care? Elena considered the question. Because I know what it's like to lose something, she said finally. And to have everyone tell you how you're supposed to feel about it.
Mara's expression shifted slightly, your husband, among other things. Did people tell you to go to therapy? Constantly. Did you go eventually? Did it help?
Elena thought about the six sessions she'd done before David pulled the plug, claiming it was too expensive. Sometimes, she admitted, when I actually let it, Mara picked at her blanket. What if I don't want to let it help? Then it won't. So, I shouldn't go.
I didn't say that. Elena sat on the floor back against the wall. I said it won't help if you don't let it. But you might be surprised what happens when you stop fighting so hard. Fighting what?
The feeling. Mara looked away. If I let myself feel it, I won't stop. Yeah, Elena said quietly. You will.
How do you know? Because you have to. Because life keeps going whether you're ready or not. Because eventually you get tired of carrying it alone. Mara's eyes were wet.
I don't want to cry in front of some stranger. Dr. Martinez isn't a stranger. Your dad said you've been seeing her for 2 years. She's still not family.
Neither am I. Mara laughed bitterly. Yeah, but you get it. Maybe Dr. Martinez gets it, too.
She didn't lose her mom when she was 10. No, but she lost someone. Everyone has. Mara was quiet for a long moment. I hate that she's gone, she whispered finally.
I hate that Sophie barely remembers her. I hate that Ethan pretends he's fine. I hate that Dad tries so hard to be both parents and it's not enough. And I hate that I can't even remember what her voice sounded like anymore. Elena's throat closed.
I'm sorry. Everyone's sorry. Nobody can fix it. No, they can't. Mara wiped her eyes roughly.
If I go to therapy, will you come with me? Elena blinked. What? Not into the session, just in the car. So, Dad doesn't try to talk to me about feelings the whole drive.
Mahi, please. Something in the girl's voice broke Elena's heart. "Okay," she heard herself say. "I'll come. " Mara nodded. "Thanks. " 2 hours later, Elena found herself in the back of Mason's SUV with Mara, heading across town to Dr.
Martinez's office. Mason kept glancing in the rear view mirror, clearly surprised his daughter had actually gotten in the car. "You okay back there? " he asked. "Fine," Mara muttered. "Elena, thank you for Don't. " Elena said quietly.