Chapter 12 - My Slap
My charge was simple.
Misdemeanor battery.
I accepted diversion.
No prior record.
Constance had a bruised cheek and sore shoulder from falling.
No major injury.
Terms:
Anger-management course.
Twenty-four hours community service.
No unlawful contact.
Dismissal upon completion.
Some friends said:
“She deserved it.”
I stopped them.
“Perry saw.”
That was enough.
Dr. Ward helped me explain.
“Mom hit Grandma.”
“Yes.”
“Because she locked me.”
“I was furious.”
“Then okay.”
“No.”
He frowned.
“If someone is hurting you right then, I can do what’s reasonably necessary to stop it. But I had already reached Grandma. I could have opened the door.”
“Then why slap?”
“Because I wanted to punish her.”
He stared.
“Adults punish adults?”
“Courts do some consequences. People can defend themselves. But I don’t get to hit because I’m angry.”
He thought.
“Daddy hit?”
“No.”
“Grandma push.”
“Yes.”
“Mom slap.”
“Yes.”
He sighed.
“Family bad at hands.”
I laughed once.
Painfully.
May you like
“Yes.”
We would get better.
