Chapter 22 - The letter from Simone
Two years after the discovery, Simone requested permission through counsel to send Eli a letter.
I said no.
His therapist said:
“Ask Eli.”
He was fourteen.
I explained.
“Simone wrote an apology.”
“Do I have to read?”
“No.”
“Did you?”
“Yes.”
“What it say?”
I summarized.
He wanted the actual letter.
It said:
Eli,
I grabbed your arms hard enough to bruise you.
There.
I blocked your doorway because I wanted you to stay in arguments until I decided they were finished.
There.
I took your phone because I did not want you contacting your dad or grandmother while you were angry with me.
There.
Then:
I searched your room because I believed you were keeping a notebook about me, and I was afraid Marcus would believe what you wrote.
There.
Then:
I used your mother’s memory to shame you.
There.
That was wrong.
Finally:
You were not responsible for keeping my marriage safe.
Good.
Eli read.
Then asked:
“Do I have to forgive?”
“No.”
“Do you?”
“Parts of her? Maybe someday. That has nothing to do with you.”
He folded the letter.
Put it in the desk.
Weeks later it disappeared.
May you like
I never asked where.
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