Chapter 21 - ETHAN'S GUILT
Ethan struggled with one thing.
He couldn't forgive himself.
His therapist told him that guilt was useful only when it led to responsibility.
But Ethan kept returning to the same thought.
“I should have known.”
Grace finally confronted him.
“You didn't know.”
“I should have.”
“You trusted someone.”
“She was hurting Lily.”
“And you didn't know.”
“I was responsible for Lily.”
Grace's voice became firm.
“Yes.”
Ethan looked at her.
“But responsibility doesn't mean possessing perfect knowledge.”
He said nothing.
Grace continued.
“You can't protect Lily by spending the rest of your life punishing yourself.”
That sentence stayed with him.
That night, Ethan went to Lily's room.
She was reading.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Yes.”
“Do you blame me?”
Lily closed the book.
“For what?”
“For not seeing.”
She looked at him.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because you see me now.”
Ethan's eyes filled.
That was the forgiveness he needed.
Not permission to forget.
May you like
Permission to move forward.
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