Chapter 15 - The Science Fair
We agreed Patricia could attend the public school fair if she respected the school's rules and did not approach the children until we'd spoken to her. Rachel told her so in writing. Patricia answered, "Understood."
Sophie had built a rainwater-collection model from two plastic bottles, a small tray, and blue food coloring. She explained how water moved through a gutter and into a barrel. I had helped with the cutting. Rachel had tested the measurements. Sophie had insisted on choosing the entire color scheme herself.
At the fair, Patricia stood beside the gym doors, holding a small bouquet of yellow flowers. When Sophie spotted her, she looked to us first. Rachel nodded, and Sophie went over with us.
"I liked your project," Patricia told her.
"Dad helped with the pipes," Sophie said. "Mom helped make the chart."
"You did the explaining," I added.
Patricia looked at the model. For a moment, I thought she might simply let the compliment stand.
Then she said to Rachel, "At least someone's making sure she learns real skills."
Sophie stopped smiling. Patricia noticed. I could see her searching for a way to call it harmless.
Rachel spoke first. "We're leaving this conversation."
Patricia said, "I meant the science."
"Then tell Sophie you're proud of her. Without comparing her parents."
Patricia looked at our daughter. "I'm proud of you, sweetheart."
It was something, but not enough to repair what Sophie had heard over months. We thanked her for coming and walked away.
In the car, Sophie asked why Grandma always sounded like she was grading people. Rachel said some adults believed one kind of work was more important than another, and that it wasn't fair.
"But Grandma can learn, right?" Sophie asked.
"Maybe," Rachel answered. "That's up to Grandma."
That night, Rachel told me she wanted to take a long break from in-person visits. I agreed, though I knew it would be lonely for her.
May you like
The next morning, our vacant unit finally received a qualified rental application. At almost the same moment, an envelope from Patricia arrived in the mail, addressed not to Rachel or me but to Sophie.
