Page 43 of Sven

“No one is happy all the time, but I can tell you from working with kids, all that matters is that they are surrounded by love. Even kids with some of the most complicated family histories, as long as they have one steady parent who is there and loves them no matter what, they’re fine. You’ll be that for her. I can tell.”

Sven swallowed down the lump in his throat and nodded. “Wise beyond your years.”

He was trying to lighten his mood.

“I just picked up a few things teaching, even if I didn’t get to do it for as long as I would have liked.”

He cocked his head. He had thought she didn’t like it and that’s why she was looking for a new job. With the state of the modern school system, he hadn’t even questioned it. It burned out all kinds of teachers.

“If you still liked teaching, why did you quit?”

The energy shift in her was instant, and he didn’t care for it. “I didn’t quit,” she stated before taking another sip of wine.

“Then, why did you leave?”

“I was fired.”

“Why?”

“I had the audacity to read a book to kindergartners about families?” she said as she started stabbing at her salad.

“I’m sorry, I’m not following.”

“Have you ever heard of Moms Fighting For Freedom?”

Sven nodded carefully. He’s never seen her like this.

“The last election, three of them got elected to the school board. They started banning all these books. And one of them wasBut My Family is Different. It is a wonderful book about how all families look different. In the book, there is a little kidwith two dads. It was on the banned book list, but I read it anyway.”

“Good for you,” Sven said instantly.

“Well, that school board didn’t feel that way.”

“That’s bullshit,” Sven shouted. Winnie gave a little whine next to him. “Sorry, sweet girl,” he said as she moved to take her out of her high chair.

“They fired Mr. Roper’s granddaughter for reading a book to children. That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

She nodded as she finished her meal.

“Do you want to be a teacher again?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know if it’s even an option for me anymore.”

“Why?”

“Sven, I was fired for reading sexually explicit books to children.”

His mouth fell open. “I’m sorry, what?”

“That was how they fired me. They wanted to scare other teachers, and it fucking worked.” She covered her mouth, looking at Winnie.

“It’s okay. I don’t think we have to worry about her picking up too much yet.”

“I know . . . I’m still just so mad.”

“You should be. Is there anything you can do about it?”

“I tried. I went to the foundation my grandfather had founded, and they told me there was nothing they could do.”

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