Chapter Text
Independent
“She wouldn’t hold my hand.”
Carol didn’t look up from where she was trying to gather her things last minute. “What?” she asked distractedly.
“Bea. She wouldn’t hold my hand while walking to school today.” Carol only made a noise of confirmation as she continued flitting around the room, not really listening to what Therese was saying.
“Carol.” Therese’s voice broke and Carol’s movements ceased. She finally looked up from the mess that was her bag to find Therese standing a few feet away, still in her coat and with tears in her eyes.
“She said she was a big girl who didn’t need to hold anyone’s hand,” she mumbled. Therese’s voice was small and Carol had to strain to hear what she was saying. “She doesn’t need me anymore.” That set Therese off and the tears came at full force. Carol rushed to pull Therese into her arms. She knew the feeling consuming Therese all too well.
“Of course she still needs you, you’re her mama,” Carol whispered against the crown of Therese’s head.