"What do you want to do Livvie?"
Olivia and Fitz had just ended a video call with Gina. She was a veterinarian with a large ranch. On the weekends, she taught horseback riding to kids who were recovering from trauma. She met Amelia twice when she was a baby. Each time she flew to Virginia to give her presents.
"I don't know."
"How about we ask Amelia what she wants."
"I want her to be happy. I don't know how she fits into the dream."
"Well, she will have a great home with Gina, or she can stay with us."
"She will be a constant reminder of Jake."
"I'm sure you can work out an agreement with Gina. You can get pictures of Amelia once a month."
"I don't want to make a decision yet."
"We can go to Vermont Saturday for a few hours. I can ask Angela to keep Amelia. She likes Angela."
"Okay, I will decide when we get back to DC."
"Gina knows how to deal with trauma. Amelia will be okay if you decide to let her go."
"Am I a terrible person for giving Amelia away twice?"
"No, I think you are going to choose the option that is best for you and Amelia. You have to think about your mental health. I want Amelia to be safe. I am willing to keep her. I don't know if that would be the best option now that she has Gina."
Olivia slumped her shoulders. It was a hard choice. She wanted Amelia to be happy with her and Fitz. Olivia knew she would need therapy to get over the bitterness. That little girl shouldn't have to deal with her emotional baggage.
"Can you hold me?"
Fitz pulled Olivia into his arms and she cried. She was going to miss seeing Amelia in her class.
