Chapter 23 - JULIAN WRITES
Julian began writing from custody.
Letters screened.
First year:
Excuses.
Arthur.
Alcohol.
Pressure.
Chloe.
Me.
The FBI.
Everything except his fist.
I returned them unread after Rachel summarized.
Later:
“I hit you.”
Better.
Then:
“I kicked you after you fell.”
Specific.
“I called Evelyn a thing because I wanted to hurt you.”
Specific.
“I used Chloe’s pregnancy to prove something to my father.”
Specific.
Then:
“I knew Project Succession treated both babies like financial outcomes. I still participated.”
That one I kept.
Not for forgiveness.
For Evelyn someday.
If she wanted.
Julian requested therapeutic contact with the girls after serving years and completing programs.
Lily’s court considered separately.
Evelyn initially said no.
Her choice respected.
At seventeen, she asked to read his letters.
She did.
Then:
“He sounds like he wants me to understand him.”
“Yes.”
“Do I have to?”
“No.”
She put them away.
Months later she requested one supervised video call.
I did not attend.
A therapist did.
Evelyn asked:
“Why did you kick Mom?”
Julian cried.
“Because I was angry and wanted control.”
“Not because Grandpa told you?”
“He made it easier to think that way. I did it.”
Good answer.
She ended call after twelve minutes.
May you like
No reconciliation.
Truth.
