Page 38 of Big Island Summer
“Jun,” he said, turning to his daughter, “I’d like you to get packed up too.”
She froze, two sticky orange hands curled in mid-air over the box of mangos.
“Ethan,” Emma interjected, “I don’t think–”
“Em, I’m talking to my daughter.”
“I want to stay here,” Juniper said, her voice small.
“I know that’s what you want, but I’m telling you what’s best. You went to stay with your Aunt Toni over a year ago, and it was just supposed to be for a little while. Somehow that turned into you floating from one place to another. It’s enough now, Jun. Time to come home.”
“Iamhome!”
“No. Home is where we’re together. You and me and Teddy.” He took a breath, raked a hand through his hair, and tried a softer tone. “You’ll like this place. You like that woman’s yoga classes, right? Fernanda?”
“That doesn’t mean I want tolivewith her!”
“It’s a separate apartment,” he said with exaggerated patience. “You’ll have your own room. It’s an ocean view in Hawaii, Jun! For Pete’s sake, you act like I’m trying to lock you in the dungeon.”
“I’m happyhere,” Jun grated, her voice close to breaking.
“I don’t care. You’re coming. Go pack.”
“No!” Juniper shot to her feet, and her plastic folding chair clattered backwards. “I’m not moving!”
Before Ethan could say another word, she turned and sprinted into the orchard.
He cussed under his breath and kicked at a stray pebble, but he didn’t chase after her or shout. That was something, at least.
“That could have gone better,” Emma said.
He shot her a dirty look. “Thanks.”
“You did a complete one-eighty! You didn’t even talk to her about it. You just came in here and started making demands.”
“I was trying to be a parent.”
“That’s not how you do it!”
“Suddenly you’re the expert?”
She just looked at him, hurt, and his face crumpled.
“I feel like I’m losing her, Em.”
“She’s right here.”
“That’s the problem! She thinks that she’s grown, and she’s not! I just want her where I can take care of her.”
“You need to take care of yourself first.”
He gave her a stricken look.
“Focus on taking care of Teddy and getting your head right. It takes time, E. I know that better than anybody, and I’m here if you need me. Just… let me take care of Juniper for a while, okay? She’s happy here.”
“She’s not happy! She’s grieving!”
“I know she is. I didn’t mean it like that.” Emma took a breath and looked down at her mango-covered hands, twisting her fingers together as she tried to organize her thoughts. “She’s suffering. But she likes it here. Don’t put more stress on her while she’s grieving by trying to force a move. Just give it time.”
