Chapter 21 - Ninety-three days later
Marcus served ninety-three days.
Released to probation.
He moved into the apartment he had rented before sentencing.
No party.
No cameras.
He contacted nobody directly.
His lawyer filed notice requesting resumption of supervised visitation according to family order.
I wanted a delay.
Why?
Leo had stabilized.
School better.
Nightmares less frequent.
Marcus returning could disrupt.
Jessica Rowan was no longer active. We consulted Dr. Porter and family court liaison.
Recommendation:
Resume gradually.
Leo wanted to.
So:
One one-hour therapeutic visit.
Marcus arrived early.
No gifts.
No discussion of prison beyond what Leo asked.
Leo walked in.
Stopped.
Then ran to hug him.
I saw through observation window? Better therapist later tells; I waited in lobby.
The hug lasted a long time.
I hated that I was jealous.
Not romantic jealousy.
Grief jealousy.
Rachel was dead.
Marcus got to be hugged.
Then Leo asked:
“Did jail make you good?”
Marcus laughed sadly.
“No.”
“Then what?”
“It gave me time. Being good is what I do after.”
That was the correct answer.
Then Marcus asked nothing about insurance.
Nothing about house.
Nothing about me.
Visit ended.
Leo came out carrying teddy bear.
“Can I see his apartment next time?”
“Not next time.”
“Why?”
“Steps.”
He groaned.
Normal.
Then probation officer.
Marcus complied.
Employment stable.
No financial-access issues.
Community service not part of sentence. Fine.
Then family court six-month contact review.
Could supervision reduce?
Therapist said:
Marcus has taken responsibility.
Leo comfortable.
No manipulation.
Recommend community visits with professional supervisor first.
I agreed reluctantly.
Park.
Diner.
Library.
No home.
One afternoon Leo spilled soda.
Marcus instinctively said:
“Buddy, come on.”
Then stopped.
Not a big thing.
But control lived in small reactions too.
He cleaned it.
No lecture.
Then Leo asked:
“Do you still think you should have my money?”
Marcus:
“No.”
Supervisor reported.
May you like
Good.
The answer was simple now.
