Chapter 24 - Walter Comes Home
Walter served his custodial sentence.
Not all nine months? Let's say released after seven under standard credits.
He returned home under probation.
No children visiting unsupervised.
No coaching youth.
No contact with Lily or Mason unless parents and therapists approved.
Denise stayed married.
That was her choice.
Some relatives judged.
I did not.
I set boundaries.
No Lily at their house while Walter present unless planned supervised contact eventually.
No surprise appearances.
No holiday ambush.
Denise agreed.
Walter hated restrictions initially.
Then followed.
Compliance is minimum.
Still.
He volunteered at an adult food pantry after probation officer approved.
No children.
Routine.
He attended counseling.
One therapist report? Private. We only know from what Walter shared.
He told me in one mediated session:
“I thought authority meant being obeyed the first time.”
I said nothing.
“Now?”
“I think authority means keeping someone safe even when they disobey.”
Better.
Then:
“I still hate being talked back to.”
Honest.
Good.
No personality transplant.
He remained Walter.
But maybe safer.
Lily still did not owe him access.
May you like
That boundary survived his improvement.
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