Vanessa turned toward me.
I considered refusing.
Then I stood.
“Five minutes.”
We walked to a quiet corner near the restaurant’s windows.
Vanessa folded her arms.
“Did you have to make Grandma leave?”
I stared at her.
“I didn’t ask Grandma to leave.”
“You knew she’d follow you.”
“No. I was as surprised as you were.”
Vanessa looked away.
“Now everyone thinks I’m a monster.”
“What do you think happened?”
She rubbed her forehead.
“I moved one chair.”
“You moved my chair.”
“I had reasons.”
“Then tell me.”
She looked toward the courtyard.
For a long time, she didn’t speak.
Then she said, “I couldn’t stand looking at you sitting beside Grandma.”
I felt the words like a small blow.
“Why?”
“Because that’s where Dad would have wanted you.”
I waited.
She continued.
“Every time I looked at the family table, I kept thinking about him. About how he’d have walked you over, pulled out your chair, and made sure you were comfortable.”
I swallowed.
“He would have done the same for you.”
