Chapter 26 - THE FLOOR OPENS AGAINOne year after the rescue, Ben asked whether Lila could visit the old house before closing.
Therapists discussed it.
Lila wanted to.
I was not part of the family.
I thought my involvement was over.
Then Ben called the department and specifically asked whether I would come.
Not as police.
As Dana.
I almost said no.
Then went.
The house was empty.
New flooring covered the living room.
No dark stain.
No toys.
No radar.
No crowbars.
Lila, now five, walked to the exact area.
“How do you know?”
I asked.
She pointed toward the window.
“My couch was there.”
Of course.
She put one palm on the floor.
Ben stiffened.
She listened.
Nothing.
Then:
“Daddy?”
Ben’s face crumpled.
Lila laughed.
“Just kidding.”
Every adult nearly died.
Ben knelt.
“Not funny.”
“A little.”
I laughed despite myself.
Then Ben asked:
“Do you want to say goodbye to the house?”
Lila looked around.
“No.”
Simple.
Children occasionally spare us symbolism.
They left.
May you like
Ben locked the door.
The house sold the next week.
