Chapter 19 - Marianne Does Not Forgive Her
Marianne never forgave Sabine.
Not during the three years covered by this story.
People kept asking whether she would.
She hated the question.
“Why does everyone want my forgiveness?”
One therapist answered:
“Because reconciliation makes observers comfortable.”
Marianne laughed.
Exactly.
She did not hate Sabine every day.
That would have required too much attention.
She did not seek revenge.
Did not call Sabine’s employers.
Did not post medical records.
Did not turn the civil settlement into a publicity campaign.
She simply did not forgive.
When Sabine’s lawyer forwarded an apology, Marianne read it.
Then put it in a drawer.
No reply.
I asked once:
“Do you think you ever will?”
Marianne looked at me.
“Maybe.”
Then:
“Maybe not.”
I nodded.
That was the last time I asked.
May you like
Forgiveness is not a debt victims owe because offenders eventually become remorseful.
Accountability can happen without reunion.
