Chapter 22 - MY SLAP RETURNS
Years after diversion ended, Ruby learned I had faced legal consequences for slapping Claudia.
She was fourteen.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You were four.”
“Everyone told story like you saved my flowers.”
“I stopped her hand. Then I hit her.”
“Because mad.”
“Yes.”
“Was it wrong?”
“Yes.”
“Even though she—”
“Yes.”
She thought.
Then:
“Did you apologize?”
“Yes.”
“Did she?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
Not absolution.
Context.
Then Ruby said:
“I kind of liked that you did it when I was little.”
I smiled sadly.
“I know.”
“Is that bad?”
“No. You were scared and wanted someone strong.”
Then:
“You can be strong without hitting?”
“That’s the work.”
May you like
She nodded.
Children deserve heroes who can survive losing some heroism.
