Chapter 24 - Odette’s Letter
Two years after the incident, Odette wrote Maisie a letter.
Not sent directly.
Through therapist.
Dr. Lin reviewed.
I reviewed.
Maisie chose whether to hear it.
She said yes.
Odette wrote:
Maisie,
When you were in the hospital, I took your oxygen mask off.
Direct.
I had no right to do that.
Good.
The oxygen was part of your medical care and I was not the person who decided when you could be without it.
There.
Then:
I also talked to you about money that adults were arguing about.
There.
I made you think your medical care took something away from Connor.
There.
That was wrong.
Connor’s care was never your responsibility.
Then:
I was frightened that Connor might miss a chance to recover. I turned that fear into anger at you and your father.
There.
You did nothing to deserve it.
Good.
Then:
Your dad should not have pushed me, but that does not reduce my responsibility for what I did first.
Specific.
Then:
I love you. I am not asking you to see me or forgive me.
Best line.
Maisie listened.
Silent.
Then:
“Grandma still love Connor more?”
I almost answered.
Dr. Lin stopped me gently.
“What do you think?”
Maisie shrugged.
“Maybe.”
Then:
“Can people love not same?”
Yes.
Adults often deny.
Children know.
I said:
“Yes. People can feel closer to different people. But adults still have to treat children safely.”
Maisie nodded.
“Do I want see her?”
“You tell us.”
“No.”
That year:
No.
May you like
We respected it.
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