Chapter 16 - Linda’s Apology
Linda’s first apology was terrible.
“I’m sorry Ethan was upset.”
No.
Her counselor apparently agreed.
Second letter:
Ethan,
I slapped your face.
Direct.
I took your dinosaur from you and moved your things out of your bedroom without asking your parents together.
Good.
Then:
I told myself you were too young to care which room you slept in.
There.
I was wrong.
Then:
Your room was part of what made you feel safe after many changes.
Good.
She did not need psychoanalyze, but okay.
Then:
I was angry with your mother and with money problems that had nothing to do with you.
There.
I used those feelings against you.
Then:
I am sorry.
No request to hug.
No:
Grandma loves you so forgive.
Ethan was five when therapist read it.
He asked:
“Can Grandma come?”
“Do you want?”
“No.”
Done.
Six months later:
“Maybe birthday but not room.”
Specific.
We arranged supervised attendance at a park birthday.
Linda came.
Stayed forty minutes.
No gifts over $25 under family agreement.
Why?
No guilt buying.
She brought a puzzle.
Ethan barely spoke.
Linda left when scheduled.
Trust is boring.
May you like
Good.
────────────────────
