Rabbit Hole Carnival: Daughter

Renee sighed, and cleaned up. “Better than he ever did, I suppose.”

“Was wondering if I got to those.” Nick said. “I always feel bad when I’m sure I leave a mess and you clean it up afterwards.”

“”At least you don’t keep making excuses, "Renee said. “Mike and mom always did. And there our time you know when I come down here to clean up, and it is already clean.”

“Good to hear that.” Nick replied. “I remember it being a habit of both my brother and grandfather, so at least I’m above them in that department.”

“You’re above them in a lot of departments.” Renee said. “You should know that by now.”

“I am well aware, but this was one that bugged me.” Nick said, as he helped her clean.

“Well unlike others it bugs you it’s enough to actually try, so I think you’re good.” Renee said.

“What?” Nick asked.

“You heard me.” Renee said. “If you don't want your own words repeated to you, then don’t say them around your niece."

“That was years ago though… you were ,what, like 7?” Nick asked.

“I think 8,” Renee said. “But when you're 8, and everything you do is wrong somehow, that’s exactly the kind of phrase that sticks with you.”

“I’m really starting to wonder why my brother even had children.” Nick said. “If he wasn’t prepared to not endlessly yell or punish them.”

“It's because he wanted only sons.” Renee replied. “That, and being non-binary thing, but that just added fuel to the fire.”

“I…. you’re sure?” Nick asked.

“About which part?” Renee asked.

“Let’s start with the son thing.” Nick said.

“Then I'm positive, because he told me as much once.” Renee replied. “I think that’s why Adam just let everything go. He’s always had it better. Not his fault,but just an observation.”

“Did he ever say why? Actually you probably don’t want to talk about it, so never mind.” Nick said.

“It’s more I didn’t mention it, because how do you bring that up?” Renee said. “If I found a time, I promised myself I said, and a decent time finally came. As for why? Something about it makes him less of a man. I don’t know. I gave up trying to see things his way a long time ago.”

“That sounds like him. Wish I could change his mind before… well before you came in here.” Nick said.

“I’m not gonna say, I wouldn’t have liked that.” Renee said. “But I am gonna say, I think I tried a lot harder than most ever would have. I watched a lot of ignoring the situation.”

“Is that why you came here?” Nick asked. “That night, I mean Because you crashed on that couch upstairs, and I’ve never understood how.”

“I guess, yeah.” Renee said. “I don’t know. Honestly I barely remember that night, but some details I do know.”