Chapter 17 - DANIEL’S SENTENCE
Daniel’s cooperation mattered.
So did his crimes.
He pled guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, fiduciary fraud, obstruction, and child-endangerment-related conduct.
His cooperation reduced sentence.
Did not erase prison.
At sentencing, he addressed Clara.
“I called you trash because I needed you beneath me before the truth put me beneath you.”
The sentence sounded rehearsed.
Maybe therapy.
Still useful.
Then:
“I watched Mom turn your house into evidence and kept telling myself I wasn’t responsible because I wasn’t the one holding the medicine.”
Better.
He looked at me.
“I stole first.”
Yes.
“I made the problem she tried to solve.”
Yes.
No hug.
No brotherly promise.
He went to prison.
I visited once after two years.
Why?
Because I wanted to know if relationship remained possible.
He had lost weight.
No watch.
He said:
“You look old.”
“You look terrible.”
Brothers.
Then serious.
“Is Lily okay?”
“Yes.”
“Clara?”
“Improving.”
“Do they hate me?”
“Not a useful question.”
He nodded.
May you like
I did not become his emotional messenger.
Good.
