Chapter 19 - Vaughn Apologizes
My father’s apology came before Marjorie’s.
He sat with Ione at a therapist’s office.
Not alone.
He said:
“I knew Grandma was giving you chores.”
Ione nodded.
“I thought some chores were okay.”
“Folding.”
“Yes.”
“Floors.”
“I knew once.”
She looked at him.
“Brush?”
“No.”
“Sleep?”
“No.”
“Canada?”
“No.”
Then Vaughn said:
“But I also noticed Grandma was getting stricter and I chose not to ask because I didn’t want another argument with her.”
There.
Ione frowned.
“So you knew little.”
“Yes.”
“And didn’t know more.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I was being a coward.”
Dr. Lowe did not interrupt.
Ione considered.
“Dad says don’t call self names.”
I almost laughed.
Vaughn nodded.
“Then I made a cowardly choice.”
Better.
“Are you still married?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Adult question.
Vaughn said:
“Because Grandma and I are trying to change how we live together. Marriage doesn’t mean I agree with what she did.”
Ione accepted.
Children can understand adults remain connected after wrongdoing without treating it as endorsement.
She asked:
“Can you come soccer?”
“I’d like to.”
“Grandma?”
“Only if you want and rules allow.”
“Not yet.”
“Okay.”
May you like
Trust began there.
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