Chapter 8 - ALYSSA TELLS THE TRUTH
Alyssa asked to speak with me alone.
We sat inside the breakfast room.
She kept both hands around a glass of water.
“I didn’t ruin Olivia’s markers by accident.”
“I know.”
“Mom told me not to get attached to things you buy.”
I waited.
“She said you use presents to make us forget her.”
“Did you believe that?”
“Sometimes.”
“Why?”
Alyssa looked toward the window.
“Because you remembered everything.”
“My school schedule.”
“My food.”
“My dance recital before I quit.”
“Mom forgot some things.”
“Then she said you were trying to replace her.”
I felt sadness for Melissa.
Not enough to excuse what she did.
Enough to understand the fear beneath it.
“No one can replace your mother,” I said.
“You do not have to choose between caring about me and loving her.”
Alyssa began crying.
“She says that is what someone trying to replace her would say.”
It was a perfect trap.
Anything kind became manipulation.
Anything strict became abuse.
Distance became proof I never cared.
Closeness became proof I wanted her role.
“What happened with the markers?” I asked.
“Mom called after Olivia posted a picture of them.”
“She said you always buy your kids better things.”
“She said I should stop acting grateful.”
“So you left the caps off.”
“Yes.”
“Did Jason know?”
“He said it was funny.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You would make me pay.”
“Yes.”
She looked surprised.
“I still will.”
Her tears increased.
“Then why did I tell you?”
“Because telling the truth is not a purchase.”
“It does not erase consequences.”
“It gives trust somewhere to begin.”
Alyssa nodded slowly.
“I have one hundred and twelve dollars saved.”
“The markers were eighty.”
“You will replace them.”
“The remaining money stays yours.”
She looked toward me.
“Are you still canceling my riding lessons?”
“I am not paying them.”
“Your parents may decide what happens.”
“Dad said they have to stop.”
“I am sorry.”
She wiped her face.
“No, you’re not.”
“I am sorry you are losing something you love.”
“I am not sorry I stopped paying for responsibilities your parents must manage.”
Both statements were true.
Alyssa seemed to understand.
Before leaving, she placed her old phone on the table.
“Mom gave me this.”
It had no service.
It connected through Wi-Fi.
May you like
The message history showed Melissa directing both teenagers to photograph our financial mail, account screens, and home documents.
One message asked Alyssa to locate the deed to the house.
