Chapter 19 - THE FIRST LETTER
Diane wrote to Evan through counsel after the protective order allowed screened correspondence.
I read it first.
Evan was not obligated.
First letter:
I’m sorry a joke got out of hand.
Trash.
I did not show him.
Second letter months later:
I’m sorry I hit you.
Better.
Then:
I should never have used food to punish you because I was angry at your mother.
Better.
Then:
You were not stealing. I said that because I wanted everyone to see you as misbehaving instead of seeing that I had decided not to feed you yet.
There.
I saved it.
Evan was still too young for the whole thing.
At seven he asked:
“Does Diane say sorry?”
“Yes.”
“Can I see?”
Maya helped.
I showed only the age-appropriate portion.
I’m sorry I hit you. You were not stealing. You deserved dinner.
Evan read slowly.
Then:
“She knows?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“Want to answer?”
“No.”
May you like
Fine.
No forgiveness performance.
