One afternoon when I was reviewing my notes, I heard the door open. It was Henry. He just stood there. His appearance made me stop what I was doing.

He looked different. His green eyes were clear. His hair combed. His shirt tucked in. He seemed steady. Mature. I realized this place wasn’t the only thing that had undergone transformation.

“Wow, this is really something.” He sat down beside me in a booth.

“Are you pleased?”

“Very. I need to say some things to you.” He seemed serious. He fidgeted with the sleeve on the paper cup he was holding. It made me nervous.

“Bailey, I’m really sorry about all the things I said to you during the intervention.”

I stopped him. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Actually, I do.”

“Is this part of the recovery handbook?”

“Yes. I am sorry. For the record, you are not a pale imitation. I was way out of line. I had no business saying those things to you. I am especially sorry for the remarks I made about you and Griffin. Maybe I’m jealous of you. This place exceeds all my expectations.” He paused. “So, you’re going out on your own after this?”

“That’s the plan,” I said.

“I want us all to be okay again.”

“We’re okay. Of course. I forgive you.”

“You and Griffin?”

“We’re fine.”

“I’m barely sober. I can’t get caught in the middle of something messy between you and Griff. Are you sure?” Henry asked.

“Sure. We’re family.”

“Does he know you’re going out on your own?”

“If he doesn’t, he hasn’t been listening. Even Julian knows and I haven’t even told him yet.” I laughed.

“Thank you for your forgiveness.” Then, “You are really something, little sister.” We both smiled. It felt like something had been lifted from the chambers of my heart.

That night I regaled Daddy with the day’s events. He seemed impressed. “Both my kids are so talented. You know, honey, if you wanted to stay at Henry and Griffin’s you’re welcome to rather than stay with your old daddy.”

I almost laughed. I don’t know whether Daddy was trying to be progressive or a healer. “There is no chance I would be staying with them. They have no booze.” We chuckled.

The next morning, I went to BLANC for breakfast. Griffin sat down next to me. “I made some mango jam I want you to try.” We looked at each other. I put my knife in the jar. “I can’t believe you turned that mangy building into something so eye-catching.”

“That’s my job.”

“Are you going out on your own? Will you be moving home?” Griffin asked. His questions had dropped an unexpected anchor through the surface of my heart. I didn’t answer him right away.

“Yes. No to your second question.” He looked at me as if he were waiting for a different answer. “However, I wouldn’t be opposed to going to that yoga class later.” After another moment, he nodded and just said, “Namaste.”