Chapter 21 - Elaine’s Letter
Mom wrote to Megan first.
Megan chose not to read it.
Then Mom wrote to me.
Rachel,
I struck Megan.
No passive voice.
Good.
She continued:
I told myself I was stopping a child from becoming involved in an adult conflict. The truth is that I was angry because the children made it impossible to pretend Richard’s behavior was acceptable.
That sentence surprised me.
Then:
I also used a copy of your signature on the gift letter.
Direct.
I believed once you understood how much Natalie could lose, you would agree and the document would become harmless.
Then:
I understand now that agreement obtained after deception would not erase the deception.
Correct.
Finally:
I treated your reliability as permission to take from you.
That was the most accurate sentence she ever wrote.
May you like
I did not respond.
Not then.
