Chapter 23 - Valerie Writes a Letter
Two years after the attack, Valerie asked through counsel whether she could write.
Not directly to Leo.
To Dad.
To me.
Separate letters.
I said yes to mine after discussing it with my therapist.
Her letter began:
Evan,
You stopped me from hurting Leo.
No passive voice.
Good.
Then:
I hit you with a bat while you were holding him.
Good.
Then:
Before that night, I told professionals things about you that were exaggerated or misleading.
There.
“I wanted them to believe I was the person in the house who understood the situation best.”
She admitted canceling appointments.
Admitted resentment.
Admitted disability prejudice.
Then:
“You did not cause my resentment.”
That mattered.
At the end:
“You do not owe me a response.”
I did not reply.
Not then.
I kept the letter for six months.
Then shredded it.
No ceremony.
May you like
Accountability received.
Relationship not restored.
