Chapter 23 - Victor’s public statement
Victor eventually made a statement at a Blackwood Foundation concert.
No dramatic confession.
He stood onstage.
Said:
“For years, Ashes Above the River was credited solely to me. That credit was incomplete.”
The room became very quiet.
“Daniel Rowan was an extraordinary composer and collaborator whose original work The Lantern Sea supplied substantial musical material later incorporated into Ashes.”
Then:
“I should have ensured that his role was publicly and permanently recognized from the beginning.”
There.
Not:
I stole it.
Still.
Then:
“Daniel’s estate will release The Lantern Sea under his name next year.”
Applause began.
I hated the applause.
It turned correction into another Victor moment.
But the words existed.
Recorded.
Public.
Permanent enough.
Chloe watched the stream at home.
She asked:
“Is that apology?”
“Partly.”
“Bad apology.”
“Better than none.”
She thought.
“Can I still hate him?”
“You’re ten.”
“Meaning?”
“Your feelings will change twelve times before lunch.”
She rolled her eyes.
May you like
Accurate.
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