Chapter 26 - Valerie Leaves Prison
Valerie eventually completed the custodial part of her sentence.
Supervised release followed.
Treatment continued.
No automatic reunion with Leo.
Family court evaluated any request separately.
Dad opposed direct contact at first.
Leo was still young.
Clinicians agreed there was no reason to hurry.
Valerie’s compliance mattered.
It did not create entitlement.
She was allowed to rebuild a life.
Housing.
Work.
Therapy.
Community.
She was not allowed to decide that her rehabilitation required Leo’s participation.
That distinction became important.
One year after release, she requested permission to send Leo a therapist-reviewed letter for the future.
Dad agreed the letter could be stored.
Not delivered immediately.
No pressure.
May you like
Leo could decide when older whether to read it.
Boundaries held without pretending Valerie ceased to exist.
