Chapter 21 - Sabine’s Letter to Melusine
Sabine wrote Melusine an apology after her probation was underway.
We did not deliver it immediately.
Melusine was six.
Her therapist stored it.
At seven, she asked:
“Did Sabine ever say sorry?”
“Yes.”
“In person?”
“No.”
“Letter?”
“Yes.”
“Can read?”
Her therapist agreed.
The letter was short.
Melusine,
At the wedding, I grabbed your mother’s dress and tore it.
I caused you to fall.
I said cruel things about your mother because I was angry and afraid about problems that belonged to adults.
You did nothing wrong.
Your mother’s dress belonged to your memories, and I had no right to touch it.
I am sorry for frightening and hurting you.
You do not owe me a reply.
Sabine.
Melusine read it.
Then asked:
“Did she know Mommy alive when dress?”
“Yes.”
Her face hardened.
“That worse.”
“Yes.”
She folded the letter.
“Can throw?”
“Yes.”
She tore it once.
Then stopped.
“Recycling.”
Practical child.
We recycled it.
Apologies are not sacred artifacts.
May you like
Their purpose is responsibility.
Not preservation.
