about that.
“Can I still play soccer at the new school?”
“We’re moving?”
“Yes.”
“Can my room be green?”
Ben glanced at me.
“That’s between you and the paint aisle, honey.”
She grinned and went back to watch cartoons.
Ben waited until she left the room.
“Can my room be green?”
“You’re sure, Chels?”
“Yes. Because this is my decision now too.”
He nodded.
“Then we do it together.”
***
Months later, I was answering an email in our new kitchen when Ben came home before sunset.
Olive was doing homework at the table.
“You’re sure, Chels?”
“What time’s dinner?” he asked.
“Seven.”
“I can help. What should I chop?”
His phone buzzed.
My stomach tightened before I could stop it.
Ben read the message and typed a reply.
“I can help.”
“What was it?”
“They wanted me to cover Friday.”
“And?”
“I said no.”
No speech followed. He
