Chapter 6 - THE GIFT THAT WAS NOT EXPENSIVE ENOUGH
Madison opened the handmade blanket after displaying a silver baby bracelet and an imported diaper bag.
When she lifted the blanket from its box, several older guests admired the stitching.
“It’s beautiful,” one woman said.
“Look at those little sailboats.”
Eleanor smiled faintly.
“Thomas chose the design.”
Kyle touched one stitched heart.
“Dad helped with this?”
“He added one small part.”
Madison examined the blanket’s label.
“There isn’t a brand name.”
Eleanor thought she had misunderstood.
“No. I made it.”
The photographer lowered his camera.
Madison held the blanket between two fingers.
“We’re only using certified designer fabrics in the nursery.”
“The wool is soft and safe,” Eleanor said.
“That isn’t the point.”
Kyle shifted uncomfortably.
“Madison, maybe we can keep it for special occasions.”
She turned toward him.
“Why would we store something we’ll never use?”
The room became quiet.
Madison walked to the large black trash bin beside the gift table.
She dropped the blanket inside.
“We only use designer things here.”
Several guests gasped.
Kyle’s face reddened, but he did not move.
Eleanor stared at her son.
She waited for him to defend the gift.
She waited for him to say his father’s name.
He lowered his eyes.
Something inside Eleanor broke, but it did not make her collapse.
It made her clear.
She walked to the bin, bent down, and removed the blanket. A piece of pink tissue paper clung to one corner.
She brushed it away, folded the blanket, and held it against her chest.
Then she kissed Kyle’s cheek.
“I hope you remember this moment.”
She turned toward the door.
Behind her, Madison smiled.
May you like
Kyle noticed the loosened seam beneath the blue sailboat.
“Mom,” he called, “what did Dad put inside it?”
