Chapter 12 - Jake’s First Honest Apology Did Not Ask Sarah to Save His Career
Jake asked to speak with Sarah six weeks later.
She said:
yes
only after the command confirmed the meeting was appropriate.
He entered the counseling room wearing:
uniform
without his usual posture.
He stood.
“Chief.”
“Sit.”
He did.
Then immediately:
“I’m sorry.”
Sarah waited.
Jake continued.
“For taking your food.”
“For throwing it down.”
“For telling you to eat it.”
“For what Ethan did?”
Sarah raised an eyebrow.
Jake corrected.
“For creating the situation Ethan joined.”
Better.
Then:
“I’m sorry I said I didn’t know who you were.”
Sarah looked at him.
“Why?”
“Because it makes it sound like I’d only behave if I knew you could hurt me.”
“Would you?”
He looked down.
“At that point?”
Long pause.
“Probably.”
There.
Honesty.
Then Jake said:
“My dad taught me you either control the room or somebody else does.”
Sarah answered:
“Your father is not in this room.”
Jake looked at her.
“You are responsible for what you do with what he taught you.”
No rescue.
No blaming:
childhood.
Jake nodded.
Then:
“I don’t want you to put in a word for me.”
That surprised Sarah.
“Good.”
“I just wanted to say it before I find out whether I stay in the pipeline.”
He stood.
Sarah asked:
“What would you do differently now?”
Jake thought.
“Not touch the food.”
“That’s behavior.”
“I asked what you’d do differently.”
Long pause.
Then:
“I’d stop trying to figure out who I’m allowed to disrespect.”
Sarah nodded once.
May you like
That was the first answer she believed.
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