Chapter 15 - THE MOTHER WHO FINALLY SAID NOEleanor struggled more than Jonathan realized.
Every time Marcus described a difficulty, her instinct was to solve it.
When he moved into the rented room, she drove there carrying new bedding, kitchen appliances and an envelope.
She remained in the car for ten minutes.
Then she removed the envelope.
It contained five thousand dollars.
She stared at it.
Giving the money would make Marcus comfortable.
It would also teach him that discomfort still opened her wallet.
Eleanor placed the envelope back in her handbag.
She carried only the bedding.
Marcus opened the door.
“You didn’t need to bring anything.”
“I know.”
He saw the luxury-store label.
“This probably cost more than a month’s rent.”
Eleanor looked embarrassed.
“You’re right.”
They returned it together.
At an ordinary department store, Marcus selected cheaper sheets.
Eleanor paid.
“Is this rescuing?” she asked.
“It’s a mother buying her son a housewarming gift.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ll tell you if it becomes more.”
They were learning boundaries neither had practiced.
Over coffee, Eleanor apologized.
“I taught you that love arrived as money.”
“You gave me what you knew.”
“No. I gave you what kept you pleased with me.”
Marcus looked at her.
“I used that.”
“Yes.”
He expected denial.
She offered none.
“I knew Dad would say no, so I asked you.”
“And I enjoyed being the softer parent.”
“What happens now?”
“I become your mother without being your bank.”
Marcus smiled faintly.
“You practiced that sentence.”
“For weeks.”
Jonathan’s heart procedure was scheduled.
Marcus requested leave one month in advance.
Carla approved two days.
“If you need more, we will discuss it.”
He did not assume his job would remain untouched.
The night before surgery, Marcus visited the mansion.
It was his first return since the slap.
The dining room looked unchanged.
Crystal glasses.
Dark wood walls.
Golden light.
He stopped beside Jonathan’s chair.
Eleanor noticed.
“Are you all right?”
“I can still hear it.”
She knew he meant the slap.
“So can I.”
Jonathan entered in a simple white shirt rather than a suit.
Marcus faced him.
“I’m sorry.”
“You said that before.”
“I said I shouldn’t have hit you. I didn’t say what it was.”
Jonathan waited.
“It was assault. It was humiliating. And it showed I believed you existed to give me what I wanted.”
Eleanor lowered her eyes.
Jonathan’s expression remained restrained.
“Why are you saying this now?”
“Because surgery might make tomorrow complicated.”
“I see.”
“I don’t expect forgiveness.”
“Good.”
The word hurt.
Jonathan continued.
“Forgiveness offered under fear of death would not help either of us.”
Marcus nodded.
“Will you forgive me someday?”
“I hope so.”
Not yet.
Hope.
It was more honest than an emotional reunion.
Before Marcus left, Jonathan handed him his luxury Swiss watch.
Marcus stepped back.
“I can’t take that.”
“I am not giving it to you.”
“What, then?”
“Keep it until I return from surgery.”
Marcus accepted carefully.
Jonathan said:
“This watch cannot buy you time.”
Marcus understood.
The next morning, Jonathan entered the operating room.
Hours passed.
May you like
Then the surgeon emerged.
The procedure had encountered a serious complication.
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