Brook at recess. She says I don’t look like I’m marching in step anymore so it’s much more natural AND she says that shows a lot of finesse. I smile until she says the next thing. Your dad is worried that you might not understand that Devon . . . isn’t alive. He tells me you say, Devon says this or Devon does that, as if he’s still alive. I do say that but it doesn’t mean I think he’s still alive. He was alive when he said those things though. Your dad said you want Devon to take you shopping. I do. But Devon can’t take you shopping. Do you understand that? Yes. But he asked what I want. That’s what I want. I know I can’t have it. I see. When you’re talking with your dad about Devon you might want to make it clear that you understand he’s now gone. Will that make Dad happy? I think so. Yes. Fine. I’ll try. Mrs. Brook smiles. You know what? You’re starting to show empathy. I am? You feel for your dad. You know he’s hurting and you want to make him happy. That’s wonderful.
