Chapter 14 - Emma Did Not Want Grandma’s Apology
Margaret began writing letters about:
a year later.
First:
I’m sorry you were frightened.
Emma’s therapist advised:
do not deliver.
Second:
I never wanted you hurt.
Still not enough.
Third:
I was trying to teach you obedience.
Closer.
Then, eighteen months after the fire:
Emma, I locked you in the sunroom because I wanted to prove I controlled when you could leave.
There.
I kept two keys because I did not want you to be able to get out without my permission.
There.
When the curtain caught fire, I should have opened the door immediately.
I did not.
I chose being obeyed over protecting you.
That was the first honest apology.
Laura and I reviewed it.
Therapist reviewed:
it.
Then we asked Emma:
“Do you want to read something Grandma wrote?”
Emma was nine.
“No.”
Done.
No:
but maybe it’ll help.
No:
she’s your grandmother.
No:
family deserves forgiveness.
No.
A year later she changed her mind.
She read:
the letter.
Quiet.
Then said:
“She admits the two keys.”
“Yes.”
“Why did she need two?”
I answered:
“Because she wanted control.”
Emma nodded.
Then:
“Do I have to tell her I forgive her?”
“No.”
“Good.”
May you like
That was enough.
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