Chapter 18 - ISABELLA’S LETTER
Ethan was thirteen when he read Isabella’s first letter.
She had sent many.
Maya stored them.
No direct access.
He chose one.
Isabella wrote:
I told myself I was protecting the future of Sterling House.
Ethan stopped.
“That’s stupid.”
“Yes,” William said.
I stayed quiet.
She continued.
She admitted the dog bowl.
I ordered it because I was angry that you would not give me the page. I wanted you to feel small.
Ethan’s jaw tightened.
Then:
I said your father would never find you because I wanted you to stop yelling. I knew he would eventually find you. I intended to release you after the vote.
Ethan whispered:
“That’s supposed to make it better?”
“No,” William said.
Isabella seemed to know that too.
Her next line:
I understand now that knowing I planned to release you does not change what six hours felt like to a five-year-old.
Better.
Not enough.
Ethan finished the letter.
“Do I answer?”
“You choose,” I said.
He did not.
He placed it in his archive.
May you like
Years later he would read others.
Relationship did not follow automatically.
