Chapter 24 - HELEN’S LETTER
My mother wrote Josephine a letter.
I read it first with permission.
The first version began:
Grandma is sorry you misunderstood—
I returned it.
Second:
Grandma never wanted to hurt you—
Returned.
Third arrived eight months later.
Josephine,
I knew the rocking horse belonged to your father when he was a child. I also knew your mother had repaired it for you.
I threw it away because I had convinced myself your side of the family already had too much.
Then I allowed it to be pulled from the trash and turned into a joke.
That was cruel.
You did not misunderstand anything.
I read the rest.
No demand for forgiveness.
Good.
Josephine chose to read it.
Then:
“Do I answer?”
“No.”
“Will Grandma be sad?”
“Probably.”
“Is that my problem?”
Seven years old and therapy already paying dividends.
May you like
“No.”
She put the letter in a drawer.
