Chapter 26 - Camilla Again
Two years after the incident, Camilla requested a supervised visit.
Pippa was seven.
Her therapist asked her privately.
“No.”
Request denied informally.
No need for litigation.
A year later Camilla asked again.
Pippa was eight.
This time:
“Maybe.”
Neutral office.
Therapist present.
Camilla arrived early.
No gifts.
Pippa entered holding my hand.
Then let go.
Camilla cried immediately.
That made Pippa uncomfortable.
Camilla noticed.
Stopped herself.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
Silence.
Then Pippa asked:
“Why cage?”
Direct.
Camilla answered:
“Because I wanted control more than I wanted to understand what you needed.”
Good answer.
“Would you do again?”
“No.”
“How know?”
“Because I’ve spent years learning what I did and changing how I react when I’m angry.”
Pippa looked at the therapist.
Then back.
“Okay.”
Not forgiveness.
Not reunion.
May you like
The visit lasted twenty minutes.
Enough.
