337 Bye Bye Judy

(Winona)

The playroom is busy, full of kids running around and laughter filling the space. It’s a typical scene for this supervised visit, the noise and chaos swirling around.

I sit on the bench, arms crossed, watching Abby and Judy interact. Judy gets two hours a week with her, and I always make sure to keep my distance. Today’s no different.

“Mommy, look at the tower I built!” Abby rushes over, beaming, holding up a colorful stack of blocks, her face glowing with pride.

“Wow, that’s amazing, honey,” I say with a smile, softening just for her. “Go show Grandma Judy. This is her time with you, sweetie.”

“Okay, Mommy!”

Abby runs back to her, her little legs carrying her eagerly. I settle deeper into my seat, crossing my arms again. The less I engage with Judy, the better. But today, I have to tell her we’re leaving for Europe soon.

Just thinking about that makes me tense up. I’m dreading her reaction, her manipulations.

Judy’s voice drifts over from where she’s sitting with Abby, but i