Chapter 21 - GERALD’S FIRST APOLOGY
Gerald wrote after five years.
Not to me.
To Emma.
We did not give her the letter immediately.
At thirteen, she chose to read it.
He wrote:
I told people you climbed because I was afraid Cedar Hollow would lose its sale.
I knew the railing needed repair.
I believed it would hold through Charlotte’s party.
I was wrong.
After you fell, I cared more about preserving my version than learning yours.
I am sorry.
Emma read it quietly.
Then:
“He says he believed it would hold.”
“Yes.”
“Does that make it an accident?”
“The fall was unintended. Leaving the railing open was a decision.”
She nodded.
“Specific.”
I smiled.
“That’s our family word now.”
She did not reply to Gerald.
May you like
Years later, she would.
Not then.
