She cooked her own meals, favored natural remedies, and spoke with the assurance of someone who trusted experience more than instruction manuals. When she offered advice, it sounded sensible—especially when delivered with the confidence of a woman who had raised a child before.
“She’s old-school,” Carrie said when Mike raised an eyebrow at something Eleanor suggested. “She means well.” And she did. At least, that’s how it looked. For the first few weeks, everything seemed fine. Maxine smiled when her parents came to get her. Eleanor reported peaceful naps, good behavior.