CHAPTER 13: Leo Stops Apologizing

Leo had spent most of his small life apologizing for needing what children should be given freely.
Sorry for crying. Sorry for asking. Sorry for touching the wrong tablecloth, laughing at the wrong time, wanting the wrong person to tuck him in.
Mira felt those apologies living in him like little locked rooms.
Elliot crouched before his son in the middle of the ballroom, not caring that his tuxedo bent at the knees or that a hundred people were watching the richest man in the room learn humility too late.
"Leo," he said, "you do not have to be sorry for running to someone who makes you feel safe."
The boy looked at him carefully, as if fathers could also be traps if trusted too quickly.
"Can Mira come upstairs?"
Elliot's face changed with pain he did not ask anyone to forgive.
"Yes. If she wants to. And if you want her there."
Leo turned to Mira.
She nodded, tears finally bright in her eyes.
"I want," Leo whispered. "I want Mommy."