Page 24 of Stripping Little Seraphina

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You didn’t, obviously.

Me:

No. I ended up stepping up. I’d never treated patients before, but I took x-rays all day. The dentist walked me through it. I survived. Learned more in one day than I had in months.

Emerson:

Still sounds like a disaster.

Me:

It was. But also… it wasn’t failure. It was practice. Another chance to prove I could handle it.

Emerson:

So you’re saying failing doesn’t mean it’s over.

Me:

Exactly. It just means you need another chance to show what you’ve learned.

Emerson:

That’s easy for you to say.

Me:

Nope. It’s hard for me to say. I hate failing. But I’ve done it. And I’ll probably do it again. Doesn’t make me less smart. Doesn’t make you less smart, either.

The dots lingered longer this time.

Emerson:

Maybe. I still feel like I let you down.

Me:

Emerson. Listen to me. You’ve never let me down. I’ve let you down by not being here. But I’m here now. Okay?

Emerson:

…Okay.

A slow smile pulled at my mouth. Not a breakthrough. But a crack in the wall.

Me:

Goodnight, kiddo. Proud of you for answering.

Emerson:

Night.

I set the phone down, heart lighter than it had been in weeks. For once, I hadn’t tried to control him. I’d just shown up.

The room was quiet except for Sera’s soft breaths. I flipped on the TV low, lettingLincoln Lawyerplay in the background. My favorite. A comfort. By the time I was halfway through the third episode, a groggy voice stirred me.

“You’re still here.”

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