Chapter 7 - Constance’s Version
Constance asked to speak through lawyers.
I agreed to a recorded mediation session.
Not reconciliation.
Information.
She began:
“Reid came to me.”
Good.
No blaming child.
“He said your marriage was failing.”
I looked at him through separate counsel room? Better, Reid not present.
“When?”
“Two months ago.”
“What did he say?”
That we lived like coworkers.
Some truth.
We had been distant.
My promotion.
His long hours.
Perry waking at night after changing schools.
Stress.
Did I know marriage was strained?
Yes.
Did I know Reid was planning separation?
No.
Constance continued.
“He asked if Perry could stay with me during the week temporarily.”
“What did you say?”
“I said yes.”
“Before asking me.”
“Yes.”
“Did that bother you?”
“Not at first.”
Of course.
Then:
“Did you believe I would agree?”
“Reid said you would once you understood.”
There.
Then quiet-room training.
Constance admitted:
“I thought Perry was too dependent on you.”
“Why?”
“He cried whenever you left.”
“He is six.”
“He cried at sleepovers.”
“Then maybe he wasn’t ready.”
“He needed practice.”
There.
Different philosophy.
Then:
“Why the laundry closet?”
“It was quiet.”
“Why lock?”
“He kept coming out.”
“Why should he stay?”
“Because adults had guests.”
I stared.
Even now.
Then she said:
“I should not have shoved him.”
Good.
“And locking?”
Long pause.
“I should not have locked him.”
Better.
Then:
“You told him he would live with you?”
“I told him he might.”
“Did you say I agreed?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because Reid said you would.”
Again.
Constance enabled.
May you like
Reid designed.
Both.
