Chapter 25 - PATRICIA’S FINAL LETTER
Patricia lived long enough to finish her sentence and supervision.
She never regained contact rights automatically.
Emma was an adult by then.
Choice belonged to her.
Patricia wrote one final letter.
Emma read it at twenty-six.
I did not ask what it said.
Eventually she told me one paragraph.
I thought paying for something gave me the right to decide its value.
I did that with parties, houses, children, and even medical care.
When I said you were not worth the bills, I was speaking from the ugliest part of myself.
You were worth care because you were a child.
No price was required.
Emma folded the letter.
“Do you forgive her?” I asked.
“Some.”
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Fair.
Patricia died two years later.
Emma did not attend the funeral.
Charlotte did.
May you like
I did not.
Death did not create a new obligation.
