Chapter 20 - MARGARET’S FIRST LETTER
Margaret wrote after probation allowed indirect correspondence through counsel.
Emily was ten.
I opened nothing addressed to Emily.
Therapist and child advocate screened.
First letter:
I miss you.
Too centered on Margaret.
Not sent.
Second:
I’m sorry I slapped you.
Better.
Then:
I thought discipline made children strong because I was raised that way.
Explanation.
Potentially useful.
Then:
That does not make what I did right.
Good.
Final:
You do not have to answer.
Emily chose to read.
She asked:
“Do I have to write back?”
“No.”
“Do you want me to?”
“No preference.”
“That’s lie.”
Fair.
“I’m afraid contact will hurt you.”
“Better.”
She did not respond.
At twelve, another letter.
Margaret described therapy.
No request.
Emily sent one sentence:
I’m okay but I don’t want visits.
Margaret respected it.
May you like
That mattered.
Change sometimes proves itself by accepting absence.
