Mike sat quietly for a moment. It was a hard story to hear, but he could see the regret in her plainly enough. Some of his anger eased, though not all of it. Susan had grown up without a family, and that loss couldn’t be undone.
On the drive back to the city, he replayed the conversation again and again. By the time he got home, he was convinced he’d done the right thing by asking. After spending a little time with Polly, he settled her in front of cartoons and went into the kitchen with Eleanor.
“Well?” Eleanor asked, shutting the door behind them. “Was it her?” “Yes,” Mike said. “Susan’s biological mother.”
“I thought that might be it,” Eleanor said softly. “How are you holding up?” “Honestly? I’m all over the place. Part of me is angry Susan had to grow up without a family. Part of me feels sorry for that woman. Life didn’t exactly go easy on her.”
“Try to be fair,” Eleanor said. “She’s not just some stranger. She’s Polly’s grandmother.”
“That’s exactly what worries me,” Mike said. “We’ve managed on our own. And you’ve always been there when I needed help.” “Mike,” Eleanor said, “I’m your neighbor, not your daughter’s kin. I’m not getting any younger either. If Polly has a chance to know her own grandmother, that matters.”
“You really think Susan would’ve wanted that? After everything?” he asked. “From what you told me, Susan spent her whole life wanting answers. Wanting to meet her mother. That tells me plenty,” Eleanor said.
“Maybe,” Mike said. “Then ask Polly,” Eleanor replied. “She’s a smart little thing. If she wants to know her grandmother, don’t stand in the way. If she doesn’t, then you leave it alone.”
Mike thought about it for two more days. The decision didn’t come easy. But eventually he realized that Polly’s happiness mattered more than his own resentment. “Polly,” he asked one evening as casually as he could, “how would you feel about having a real grandma?”
Polly’s eyes went wide. “Like for real?” “For real,” Mike said. “If you want, we could go visit her this weekend.” “Yes!” Polly shouted, bouncing in place. “I want to!”
