Chapter 24 - Margaret Comes Home From Prison
Margaret eventually completed the custodial portion of her sentence.
Supervised release followed.
No automatic access to Noah.
She lived in a small condominium.
Continued therapy.
Complied with conditions.
Her attorney asked whether I would consider indirect contact.
I asked Noah's therapist.
Then considered Noah's age.
Four.
Too young to carry adult pressure.
We allowed one therapist-reviewed birthday card.
No guilt.
No:
Grandma misses you.
No request to meet.
The card said:
Happy birthday, Noah. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Signed:
Margaret.
Not Grandma.
The therapist had suggested neutral naming because Noah's relationship with that title would be his to develop.
He looked at the card.
“Who Margaret?”
I answered.
“My mom.”
“The grandma who hurt me?”
“Yes.”
He thought.
“Don't want.”
“Okay.”
We put the card away.
Not displayed.
May you like
Not destroyed in front of him.
His answer stood.
