Chapter 24 - LILY CHOOSES THE VISIT
Richard’s relationship with Lily did not disappear.
It changed.
For the first year, supervised visits.
Then therapeutic community visits.
No Olivia.
No Vanessa.
No discussion of money.
No criticizing me.
He violated the last rule twice.
Visits paused.
Then resumed after treatment.
At six, Lily asked:
“Did Daddy hurt you because he didn’t love you?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Love doesn’t stop people from making harmful choices.”
“Do you love Daddy?”
“Not like before.”
“Does he love me?”
“I believe he does.”
“Can somebody love and be mean?”
“Yes.”
She hated that answer.
So did I.
Simple villains are easier for children.
Richard eventually learned to apologize without adding:
because Mom made me angry.
He said:
“I scared you at your birthday. I hurt Mom. You didn’t cause it.”
Lily accepted a hug.
That was their relationship.
May you like
Not mine.
I did not have to forgive him romantically for her to love him carefully.
