Chapter 17 - MARJORIE’S FIRST REAL APOLOGY FAILS
Marjorie sent a letter to Ivy.
Through her attorney.
Dr. Hart reviewed it.
The first line:
I am sorry I let wedding stress make me do something we both regret.
No.
“We both regret” distributed responsibility.
Then:
You know how important that day was to me.
Worse.
Then:
Your hair will grow back, and mine will too.
True but minimizing.
Dr. Hart recommended not giving it to Ivy.
I agreed.
Marjorie was told why.
She reacted badly.
“She needs to know I apologized.”
Celia answered:
“An apology is for the harmed person, not your record.”
Good.
Two months later, Marjorie wrote again.
Ivy,
I cut your hair when you told me not to.
You did not cause that by bumping the table.
I was angry and I used something you cared about to hurt you.
I had also agreed before the wedding that your hair should be cut even though your dad had not said yes.
That was wrong too.
Your hair belongs to you.
You do not have to answer me.
Better.
Dr. Hart offered Ivy the choice.
Ivy read it.
Then asked:
“Does she mean it?”
I said:
“I don’t know.”
Correct.
“Can I keep it?”
“Yes.”
“Do I have to forgive?”
“No.”
She folded it.
May you like
Put it in her desk.
No ceremony.
