Chapter 16 - DANIEL’S FIRST LETTER
Daniel’s first letter arrived six months after sentencing.
The envelope passed through Lucy’s therapist.
Nora read it before deciding whether to show her.
Lucy,
I am sorry I did not help you when you were hurt.
I am sorry I looked away.
I was angry at your mother.
I allowed that anger to become more important than being your father.
You did not deserve what happened.
Nora stopped reading.
The letter continued without excuses.
Daniel did not blame Celeste.
He did not mention the company.
He did not ask for forgiveness.
Nora gave the letter to the therapist.
Lucy chose to hear it.
Afterward, she asked one question.
“Does sorry grow my tooth back?”
The therapist answered gently.
“No.”
“Then what does it do?”
“It tells you he understands something he did was wrong.”
Lucy considered the explanation.
“Do I have to write back?”
“No.”
She did not.
Daniel sent another letter three months later.
Lucy declined to read it.
Nora respected the choice.
Some relatives accused her of keeping father and daughter apart.
May you like
Nora stopped defending herself to people who had not lifted Lucy from the ballroom floor.
Boundaries did not require unanimous approval.
