When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 43

Brody’s thoughts scattered as he turned and saw Carrie standing in the hallway. She was still in her pajamas, the white gauze wrapped around her head untouched.

She’d been discharged from the hospital earlier that afternoon. Sheila and Marian had brought her home. With Nelly gone, Sheila had wanted to take Carrie to her place instead, but Brody had said no. Sheila wasn’t in great shape herself, and Brody needed her to focus on getting better.

“It’s late, kiddo. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?” His mind was all over the place, but he tried to keep his voice gentle.

Carrie wrapped her arms around his leg. “Daddy, I think I did something bad today.”

“What happened?” Brody crouched down so he could look her in the eyes.

Carrie just shook her head, blinking up at him. “Daddy, are you going to be with Ms. Olson? Because if you are, then I didn’t really lie today.”

Brody’s heart skipped a beat. “What did you do?”

Carrie looked away, her eyes darting everywhere but at him.

Brody reached out and pinched her cheek, soft but firm. “If you won’t tell me, I’ll just ask Alan.”

Carrie hesitated, then finally mumbled, “I told everyone that Ms. Olson is my mom...”

She looked down, her voice barely a whisper. Brody’s face darkened right away.

Carrie saw his expression and shrank back, afraid he’d be mad at her, afraid he’d ignore her just like everyone else.

“She didn’t want to stay and take care of me, and I didn’t know she’d show up, I just...”

“You think Ms. Olson makes you look better in front of people,” Brody finished for her, saying out loud what she couldn’t admit.

Brody’s throat felt tight. He took Carrie’s hands in his. “Mommy acts that way because of me,” he said quietly. “She’s not helpless or weak. She’s actually amazing.”

“I don’t believe you!”

Carrie’s eyes filled with tears. She’d thought Brody would take her side, and that might’ve made her feel less guilty about what she’d done to Nelly. After all, Daddy always seemed to like Ms. Olson more. He’d always answer her calls, always be there for her, even go out with her and Carrie. But with Mommy, he never seemed to care.

“Mommy isn’t good enough for you! You don’t even like her!” Carrie’s voice got louder, her face crumpling as she fought back tears.

Brody’s face grew stern. “Carrie, it doesn’t matter how I feel. She’s your mother, and you can’t think about her that way.”

“I don’t care! I don’t like her! I want Ms. Olson!” Carrie yelled, and before Brody could say anything else, she ran back to her room.