Chapter 7 - My Slap
Ambrose’s attorney raised the slap.
Of course.
Several witnesses saw it.
I admitted.
The question was whether I struck him while intervening to free Callum or after danger was already controlled.
The sequence:
Callum locked.
Ambrose refusing key.
I struck Ambrose.
Took key.
Unlocked Callum.
Unlike some acts of retaliation, the danger had not fully ended.
My child was still confined.
That context mattered legally.
Police interviewed witnesses.
Nobody claimed I continued attacking Ambrose.
I did not kick him.
Grab his throat.
Threaten him.
One slap.
Immediate access to key.
Ambrose initially demanded charges.
Then withdrew his complaint? Police/prosecutors can proceed regardless. Better: he stated he did not wish to pursue, but authorities reviewed anyway.
The prosecutor declined to charge after reviewing rescue context and lack of injury.
My lawyer told me:
“Declined charges does not mean ideal decision.”
I knew.
I apologized to Callum for hitting Grandpa in front of him.
He said:
“But you got key.”
“Yes.”
“Then good.”
“No. Getting you out was good. Hitting was what I did because I was scared and furious.”
“Would you do again?”
I wanted to say yes.
Instead:
“I would get you out again. I would try not to hit.”
“Why?”
“Because adults have other ways to stop adults.”
He thought.
Then:
“Like police.”
“Yes.”
“Police slow.”
Seven-year-old critique of institutions.
Fair.
May you like
Still.
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