Chapter 8 - Ethan Had To Own What He Did In The Ballroom
Ethan’s anger toward Vivian was justified.
His kick was not automatically justified by that anger.
Neither was the slap.
He had to face that.
Vivian had blocked him from Lily.
In that moment, moving her aside was necessary.
But the force he used was extreme.
Later, once Lily was safe, Vivian approached again.
Ethan slapped her.
That second act was clearer.
Retaliation.
Not rescue.
During his statement, Ethan refused to lie.
“I kicked Vivian while trying to reach Lily.”
“Did she have a weapon?”
“No.”
“Could you have moved around her?”
“Maybe.”
“And the slap?”
“She came toward us.”
“Was she attacking?”
“She hadn’t touched me yet.”
Ethan closed his eyes.
“I was furious.”
That was the truth.
When Lily eventually grew old enough to understand the story, Ethan never wanted to tell her:
I hit your aunt because she deserved it.
He wanted to be able to say:
I got you out.
Then I lost control.
Both things happened.
Both mattered.
People who protect children still have to be accountable for themselves.
May you like
Especially then.
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