Chapter 19 - EDWARD COMES HOME, BUT NOT TO THORN HOUSE
Edward was released under supervision after serving part of his sentence and completing conditions.
He moved into a small but comfortable assisted-living community.
He requested a family dinner.
I said no.
Then, a year later, yes.
At a restaurant.
Neutral ground.
Faye was fifteen.
Della fourteen.
Beckett thirteen.
All three chose whether to attend.
Beckett said no.
Della said yes.
Faye said maybe, then yes.
Edward stood when they approached.
Della asked:
“Do you remember the prime rib dinner?”
“Yes.”
“Do you remember us?”
“Yes.”
“What were we wearing?”
He closed his eyes.
“Faye had a blue cardigan. You had flowers on your dress. Beckett had a green sweater.”
Della looked surprised.
“So you saw us.”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you help?”
He did not say he was distracted.
He did not blame Marguerite.
“I was a coward.”
Della nodded.
“Okay.”
Not forgiveness.
An answer.
Faye asked:
“Did you love us?”
“Yes.”
“Then love wasn’t enough.”
Edward began crying.
“No.”
They stayed twenty-seven minutes.
Then left.
May you like
Beckett never regretted skipping it.
Different children needed different doors.
