Chapter 26 - LINDA COMES HOME
Linda completed custody and supervision years later.
She requested contact with Rebecca.
I said no first.
Rebecca was nineteen.
Her decision mattered most.
She said:
“I want one meeting.”
Therapist present.
Neutral office.
Linda looked older.
Pearls gone.
Plain blouse.
Rebecca sat across from her.
“Did you know Dad was hurting Mom?”
“Yes.”
“Did you ever stop him?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I was afraid he would lose everything.”
Rebecca frowned.
“What does everything mean?”
“Meridian. His money. His future.”
“Not Mom?”
Linda cried.
“No.”
“Not me?”
“You weren’t born.”
Rebecca’s face hardened.
“I existed.”
Linda closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
That answer mattered.
Then:
“Why did you get fake medicine?”
“To make records.”
“You knew Mom didn’t take it?”
“Yes.”
“Did you think a doctor might believe she was sick?”
“Yes.”
“Did you want them to?”
“Yes.”
Rebecca stood.
Meeting over.
No hug.
At the door, she turned.
“I’m glad you told the truth.”
Linda whispered:
“I’m sorry.”
Rebecca answered:
“I know.”
Not forgiveness.
May you like
Recognition.
Enough for one day.
