Chapter 14 - Isolde refuses the gala room
For weeks, Isolde would not enter the ballroom.
The mansion was large enough to avoid it.
Her therapist said:
“Do not make return a test.”
So we did not.
The locket stayed with her.
No one touched it without asking.
Then one afternoon she stood outside ballroom doors.
I was passing.
“Dad.”
“Yes?”
“Can we go in?”
“If you want.”
She held my hand.
We entered.
No chandeliers blazing.
No guests.
No champagne.
Just staff setting tables for a charity planning lunch.
Isolde walked to the place where the serving cart had been.
Looked down.
Then:
“She pushed hard.”
“Yes.”
“Did you push her?”
“No.”
“You threw drinks.”
“Yes.”
“That was bad.”
“Yes.”
She looked satisfied I understood.
Then:
“Is she going to prison?”
“I don’t know. Probably not for what happened here if the court accepts the kind of plea being discussed.”
“Why?”
“Because your injuries were not severe, she has no criminal history, and courts consider specific laws and facts.”
Isolde frowned.
“She’s rich.”
“That should not decide it.”
“Does it?”
I chose honesty.
“Money can affect how easily someone gets good lawyers and handles consequences. It should not change the law.”
She thought.
Then:
“Are you rich?”
“Yes.”
“Did you get jail for throwing glasses?”
“No. I got a diversion program.”
“Because rich?”
“I was told that disposition is common for a first minor offense like mine. But I also had good lawyers.”
She nodded.
“Then don’t act better.”
Seven.
Brutal.
“I won’t.”
Then she walked to the table.
Touched nothing.
Looked around.
“Can my birthday be somewhere else?”
Her eighth birthday was months away.
“Yes.”
“Not here.”
“Done.”
No healing by recreating gala.
May you like
No giant symbolic cake.
Just another room later.
