Chapter 22 - Grace Speaks
Maya suggested that Grace speak with a child therapist who specialized in trauma.
I was hesitant at first. I didn’t want Grace to feel like something was wrong with her. But after another nightmare, I agreed.
The therapist’s name was Dr. Patel. She was gentle and patient. She let Grace lead the conversations and never pushed.
After the third session, Dr. Patel asked to speak with me alone.
“Grace has been carrying a lot of guilt,” she said. “She believes that if she had just been ‘better,’ Lauren wouldn’t have hurt her. She also feels responsible for the family falling apart.”
My chest tightened.
“She’s seven,” I said. “None of this is her fault.”
“I know,” Dr. Patel replied. “But she needs to hear that from more than just you. She needs to hear it in a space where she feels safe to express everything.”
Over the next few weeks, Grace slowly started opening up more — not just to me, but to Dr. Patel.
She talked about the fear she felt every time we went to my parents’ house. She talked about how she used to practice “being good” in the mirror before family gatherings. She talked about how Lauren’s words had made her feel small and broken.
One afternoon, after a session, Grace climbed into the car and said something that made me pull over.
“Mom,” she said quietly, “I think I want to tell people what happened. Not just you. I want Aunt Lauren to stop lying.”
I turned around to look at her.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
Grace nodded. Her eyes were serious behind her glasses.
“I’m tired of being scared of her,” she said. “And I’m tired of everyone thinking I’m the one who did something wrong.”
I reached back and took her hand.
“Then we’ll do it together,” I said. “When you’re ready.”
May you like
Grace squeezed my fingers.
“I think I’m ready now.”
