Some Explaining to Do - Chapter 13 

     The drive to Northampton gave Tyre a chance to breathe and experience new parts of the area. No campus nor regular routines. This was a time for him to release his pent-up angst after spending hours in structured academia every day. He came back to the present moment as he looked down and continually shaped the vase that he was making for Phoenix’s fresh flowers. She liked to place them around the house, and he was sure that she would appreciate this gift.
     Working on the Potter’s Wheel was therapeutic, and he normally left his Saturday class with a renewed sense of direction. But today was different. He knew that he had a test to past with his firstborn. He paused and looked over at Leah and saw that this doting mother hen was showing Leah how to make small, intricate designs onto her bowl.
     He and his instructor, Charlie had agreed to fire up the oven and let Leah bake whatever she had made for at least an hour. Tyre continually worked on his own creation and later saw Leah being led to the oven to insert her piece. Then she did the unexpected. She found a bench by one of the windows and pulled out her book and started reading.

December 27, 2025