Chapter 14 - MY SLAP BECOMES A CASE
Lucinda had a bruised cheek.
A bruised hip from the table fall.
No fracture.
Video from the restaurant exterior captured enough.
My slap.
Her fall.
No immediate threat to the twins at that second.
The prosecutor offered diversion on a misdemeanor assault charge.
Anger program.
Restitution.
No unlawful contact.
Completion and dismissal.
I accepted.
My attorney could have argued provocation.
Lucinda had just kicked food away from hungry children and lied about paternity.
Still.
Provocation is not automatic permission.
The class instructor, Eric Sloan, asked:
“What did the boys see?”
“My mother insult them.”
“And then?”
“Me hit her.”
“What did that teach?”
I stared at him.
“That adults with power hurt people.”
He nodded.
I hated him.
Useful man.
Then:
“What would strength have looked like?”
“Putting the boys inside.”
“Calling police.”
“Yes.”
“Preserving records.”
“Yes.”
“Not hitting?”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“You sound disappointed.”
“I am.”
“Because restraint feels weak?”
“No.”
I thought.
“Because it feels late.”
That was the truth.
Five years late.
May you like
My anger wanted one loud act to compensate.
Nothing could.
