Chapter 25 - EMMA’S LETTER
When Emma was fifteen, she asked to read Daniel’s first approved letter.
He had been incarcerated for years.
The letter said:
I told myself Grandma caused the worst parts of me. That was another lie.
I knew your brother was a boy.
I kept it from Grandma because her anger helped me control Mom.
I knew your trust existed.
I wanted custody partly because I wanted a life the trust could help pay for.
Emma stopped.
“Did he want us or the money?”
I hated the question.
“Both.”
“That’s worse.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because people can love someone and still use them.”
She looked at me.
“That shouldn’t be possible.”
“I agree.”
She did not answer Daniel.
Lily did years later.
One sentence:
I hope you learn to love people without needing to own the outcome.
He wrote back:
I’m trying.
Lily kept that letter.
Emma did not.
May you like
Different daughters.
Different choices.
