Chapter 25 - Vivian’s apology
Vivian apologized to Ellie in person.
Supervised.
She said:
“Mommy asked you to keep a secret you should never have had to keep.”
There.
Ellie was six.
She remembered.
“About Nora.”
“Yes.”
“You said Daddy send her.”
“I did.”
“Was lie?”
Vivian swallowed.
“Yes.”
There.
“Why?”
“Because I wanted you to stay quiet.”
There.
Ellie looked at the supervisor.
Then at me.
Then back at Vivian.
“Bad secret.”
“Yes.”
Children had been taught at school:
Surprises can be fun.
Secrets that make you scared should be told.
Vivian nodded.
“I am sorry.”
Ellie hugged her.
Immediately.
That did not mean everything was fixed.
Children often give affection faster than adults deserve.
Vivian cried.
With Nora, the outcome was different.
Her attorney asked through Paige whether Nora would receive a letter.
Nora said no.
One year later:
No.
Two years later:
Maybe read by Mom first.
Paige read it.
Nora still said:
“No.”
Vivian accepted.
At year three she stopped asking every six months and allowed Nora’s therapist to raise the subject only if Nora wanted.
That was the strongest evidence of change I had.
Not getting the answer she wanted.
May you like
And finally not pushing.
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