and now Liana had questions. She said Dana might visit, but wasn’t sure if she wanted to. I reassured her that whatever she chose, I’d be there. Two weeks later, Dana flew in. We met at a park, and I watched from a distance as Liana and Dana reconnected. Afterward, Liana shared how Dana smelled like jasmine and coffee, but things were different now. Liana didn’t fully trust her yet,

and that was okay. I reminded her she didn’t need to know everything right away. Liana still talks to her mom from her room, but no secrets, just honesty. That night on the bathroom floor taught me something crucial—sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone is just to be there. No lectures, no shields—just your presence. When your kid pulls away, sometimes all you need to do is not move. Would you lie down on the bathroom floor too?