Chapter 13 - CONNOR
Connor was nine.
He had drawn some of the marker.
I learned because Clara told me.
He later asked to speak to Josephine.
I hesitated.
Her therapist said:
“Ask Josephine.”
She said yes.
Video call.
Connor looked terrified.
“I’m sorry.”
Josephine held the restored rocking horse beside her.
Not finished.
One runner clamped.
“You wrote on it.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Dad said it was funny.”
“You wrote CHEAP.”
“I know.”
“Do you think I’m cheap?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
Connor began crying.
“I wanted Dad to laugh.”
There.
Children learn their audience.
Josephine looked at me.
“What do I say?”
“Whatever you want.”
She turned back.
“I’m still mad.”
Connor nodded.
“Okay.”
No forced forgiveness.
They ended the call.
Later Josephine said:
“I think he’s sorry.”
“Probably.”
May you like
“I’m still mad.”
“Also allowed.”
