Chapter 21 - PATRICIA’S LETTER
Patricia wrote to Mason.
The first draft came through my attorney.
Mason,
I am sorry you were frightened at the field day.
Rejected.
Second:
I am sorry Trent hurt your leg.
Still too distant.
Third came after months of counseling.
Mason,
When Trent struck you, I looked at you and said boys get hurt.
Your leg was broken.
You were crying because you were hurt and afraid.
I should have helped you.
Before that day, I also encouraged Trent to teach you lessons about being tough without asking your father properly and without thinking enough about whether those lessons were safe.
I believed crying and stopping made boys weaker.
I was wrong.
You did not embarrass the family.
I did.
You do not have to see me.
I read it.
Then asked Dr. Morris whether Mason should.
She said:
"Ask him."
So I did.
"Patricia wrote something. Want me to read it?"
"Long?"
"One page."
"Does she say sorry?"
"Yes."
"Does she say I’m weak?"
"No."
"Okay."
I read.
He listened.
Then:
"Can I keep it?"
"Yes."
He folded it badly.
Put it inside a dinosaur book.
No forgiveness announcement.
May you like
No family reunion.
Just paper.
