Chapter 14
Amanda’s annulment was granted based on fraud after extensive proceedings.
The marriage had lasted legally longer than the relationship itself.
She moved into a smaller condominium and began attending therapy.
For years, Diane told us Amanda’s beauty and social position made her powerful.
In reality, they made her terrified of appearing rejected.
Derek recognized the fear.
So did our mother.
Amanda came to my house one Sunday carrying Toby’s red toy car.
Police had released it from evidence.
She placed it on the kitchen table.
“I’m sorry.”
Toby looked at me.
“You decide,” I said.
Amanda knelt, keeping several feet between them.
“I accused you because I was scared and because I trusted an adult more than I trusted what you said. Then I let Grandma shout at you.”
“You shouted too.”
“Yes.”
“You said I was like my dad.”
Amanda’s face folded.
“I did.”
“My dad wasn’t a thief.”
“No. He was a good man.”
“You didn’t like him.”
“I thought Mom’s opinion was my own.”
Toby picked up the car.
“Why did Derek take this?”
“To make you look guilty.”
“That’s weird.”
“Yes.”
“Did you love him?”
“I loved someone he pretended to be.”
Toby considered that.
“Are you still my aunt?”
Amanda began crying.
“If you want me to be.”
“You are. But you can’t babysit yet.”
Despite everything, I nearly smiled.
Amanda nodded.
“That is fair.”
Trust returned through specific permissions, not family titles.
First, short visits with me present.
Then school performances.
No unsupervised care until Toby requested it and his therapist supported it.
May you like
Amanda accepted every stage without complaining.
That was how I knew the apology had become behavior.
