Chapter 23 - Primrose Sees Violetta Again
Primrose was seven when she asked:
“Can Aunt Violetta come to my birthday?”
I froze.
“Do you want her there?”
“Maybe.”
That is not enough for an invitation.
We discussed with her therapist.
Then Primrose chose a smaller step.
Lunch.
Public café.
Me present.
Violetta arrived early.
No expensive gift.
That had been specifically discouraged.
She brought a card.
Primrose wore jeans.
No formal family performance.
At first, silence.
Then Violetta asked:
“How is school?”
“Fine.”
“Do you still draw horses?”
“Yes.”
Another silence.
Then Primrose asked:
“Do you still hit?”
I nearly inhaled coffee.
Violetta went pale.
“No.”
“Ever?”
“I have not hit anyone since that day.”
“Why you hit me?”
We had prepared for this.
No excuses.
Violetta said:
“I was angry about the vase and I was already scared about a secret. I chose to take my anger out on you.”
Primrose stared.
“So not vase?”
“The vase was part. But mostly me.”
“Okay.”
Then:
“Cake?”
We ordered cake.
Trust did not return that day.
May you like
Fear reduced slightly.
That was enough.
