Chapter 20 - VANESSA’S FIRST LETTER
Vanessa wrote from custody two years later.
I did not open it.
Then another.
Stored.
At the third, Mara asked:
“Do you want not knowing, or are you afraid knowing will change your anger?”
I hated the question.
I opened one.
Emma,
I do not expect forgiveness.
Good.
I told myself Daniel loved me because he chose me. I did not understand that a man willing to betray his wife could also ask me to betray a child.
Then:
Sofia was inconvenient to us because she told the truth.
I stopped.
That was the center.
A six-year-old threatened adults simply by reporting what she saw.
Vanessa continued:
When she asked for her purple bag, I knew exactly what she meant.
I should have called 911 then.
I didn’t because Daniel said we could still make the flight and Monday meeting if we kept it private.
Then:
I chose the future I wanted over the child in front of me.
No excuse.
I stored the letter.
May you like
Did not answer.
Some truth is useful without relationship.
