Chapter 18 - RICHARD’S FIRST LETTER
Richard wrote Ethan from federal custody.
We did not give the letter immediately.
Dr. Lila Chen screened it.
First version:
I was trying to protect you from a bicycle that might have been unsafe.
Too self-serving.
Second paragraph:
I should have told your parents the truth instead of pretending your tears were the problem.
Better.
Then:
I was ashamed because I had helped the company make bad decisions about those bicycles.
Specific.
Ethan was eight when he read it.
He asked:
“Did Grandpa break it because he loved me?”
Laura looked at me.
I answered carefully.
“I think he was afraid you might get hurt.”
“So yes?”
“Love was part of what he felt.”
“Then why was he mean?”
“Because loving someone doesn’t automatically teach you how to treat them safely.”
Ethan nodded.
“Can I write back?”
“Your choice.”
He wrote:
May you like
Grandpa, next time tell people the bike is dangerous.
Richard kept that letter.
