Chapter 22 - Maude’s Apology Letter
Six months later, Maude wrote Elspeth.
Dr. Hart reviewed first.
The first draft was not delivered.
It said:
I’m sorry if I made you feel unwelcome.
No.
If.
Feel.
Second draft:
I am sorry I pulled your chair and caused you to fall.
Good.
I am sorry I told you the cabana was only for family.
Good.
You are legally and actually Gareth’s daughter.
Good.
Then:
I was angry because Grandpa Edmund left the cabana to you instead of me.
Good.
I tried to make you feel like an outsider because I hoped you would not want something I wanted.
There.
Hard.
Then:
That was cruel.
Good.
No:
But Grandpa hurt me.
No:
Your mother kicked me.
Those belonged elsewhere.
Elspeth listened.
Then:
“Grandma says I’m family now?”
“She says she was wrong.”
“Was she lying before?”
I answered:
“She was saying what she wanted to be true.”
“Same as lie?”
“Sometimes.”
She thought.
Then:
“Can I answer?”
“Yes.”
She dictated:
Grandma,
I didn’t like when you made me fall.
I didn’t like when you said I wasn’t family.
I don’t want you at the cabana yet.
Elspeth.
Done.
No love.
No forgiveness.
Maude replied only:
May you like
I understand.
Good.
