Chapter 22 - JOSEPHINE MEETS ROBERT
Josephine was eighteen when Robert requested a meeting.
He had been released under supervision.
No fiduciary authority.
No company office.
No power over her trust.
She agreed to one hour with a mediator.
I waited outside.
Afterward, she told me only what she wanted.
“He apologized.”
“For what?”
“The horse.”
“Anything else?”
“Making me a way to punish you.”
That phrase mattered.
“What did you say?”
“I asked if he really thought I was trash.”
My chest tightened.
“And?”
“He said no.”
“Did you believe him?”
“Yes.”
She looked at me.
“He said he wanted me to feel like I had no value without the family.”
I closed my eyes.
At least specific.
“Did he ask for forgiveness?”
“Yes.”
“What did you say?”
“Not today.”
Good.
She saw him again six months later.
Then once a year.
Limited.
No inheritance talk without adviser.
May you like
No forced reunion.
A relationship formed around what remained possible.
