Chapter 14 - THE LAST MEETING WITH HELEN
Helen requested a family visit after developing a serious illness in prison.
Margaret refused several times.
Then Lily, now sixteen, asked whether she could meet her grandmother.
Margaret did not answer immediately.
“Why?”
“I want to know whether she understands.”
“You may not receive the answer you want.”
“I know.”
The visit occurred behind reinforced glass.
James attended.
Rebecca joined by video from another room.
Helen had aged quickly.
Her hair was white.
Her hands trembled.
She looked at Lily for a long time.
“You resemble your mother.”
“I resemble myself.”
Helen’s mouth tightened.
Margaret recognized the old irritation.
Lily continued.
“Why did you hold me over the fire?”
Helen looked toward James.
“Your mother has filled your head with stories.”
“There is video.”
Silence followed.
“Were you trying to kill me?”
“No.”
“Were you trying to scare my mother?”
“Yes.”
“Did you care that I could die?”
Helen looked away.
Lily waited.
The answer never came.
That was an answer.
Rebecca spoke through the screen.
“Mom, tell her the truth.”
Helen’s expression hardened.
“You would have had everything if Margaret had not ruined it.”
Rebecca closed her eyes.
For years, part of her had waited for Helen to admit love.
Instead, Helen offered the same competition.
Rebecca ended her video connection.
She did not allow one final wound simply because their mother was ill.
Lily stood.
“I thought I needed you to understand.”
Helen looked at her.
“Understand what?”
“That I was a baby.”
“I did nothing to you.”
Helen said nothing.
Lily turned toward Margaret.
“I am ready to go.”
They left.
James remained for one minute.
Helen asked whether he loved her.
He answered honestly.
“Part of me always will.”
“Then help me leave this place.”
“No.”
The word was quiet.
Love no longer controlled consequences.
Helen died in prison six months later.
She never apologized.
Margaret grieved anyway.
May you like
Not for the mother Helen had been.
For the mother she should have had.
