Chapter 24 - BROOKE COMES HOME
Brooke completed custody and supervision years later.
She requested no immediate contact.
That surprised me.
Her first letter to Adam said:
I know asking to see Leo would make my guilt his problem.
Good.
She found work outside charities.
Bookkeeping for a manufacturing company.
No vulnerable clients.
No family money.
At twelve, Leo asked to read her apology.
He did.
Then:
“Can I meet her?”
We did not decide instantly.
Therapist.
Boundaries.
Neutral place.
Brooke arrived with no gift.
Leo asked:
“Did you give me the medicine?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know it was bad?”
“I knew it wasn’t prescribed. I told myself the amount was safe.”
“Was it?”
“No.”
“Did you know I was sick?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you help?”
Brooke cried.
“Because I was more afraid of my mother than I was willing to admit.”
Leo said:
“You were twenty-eight.”
“Yes.”
He understood adults do not stop being responsible because parents are controlling.
No hug.
No promise.
May you like
Later, annual contact.
His choice.
