They were discussing the cost of textbooks when Sophie suddenly grew quiet.
“Mum?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think I'll ever want to meet Helena?”
Emma glanced at her.
“Perhaps.”
“That's not much of an answer.”
Emma smiled.
“It's the most truthful one I can give.”
Sophie looked ahead.
“Sometimes I think I should meet her just to see what she's like.”
“And sometimes?”
“Sometimes I think knowing she's out there is enough.”
Emma nodded.
“Both are reasonable feelings.”
Sophie hesitated.
“Would you be upset if I wanted to meet her?”
“No.”
“Even after everything that happened?”
“Even then.”
“What if I wanted to meet Lucas?”
Emma felt a sudden ache in her chest.
She had known the question might come someday.
Still, hearing it was difficult.
She took a moment before answering.
“I would want you to think carefully about what you're hoping to gain from the meeting,” she said. “And I would want you to understand that he might not respond in the way you hope.”
