Chapter 13 - THE GOLD BRACELET RETURNS
The bracelet disappeared from the kitchen counter.
I assumed Daniel moved it.
Three days later it appeared inside my work bag.
No note.
I knew Ava.
I left it there.
Did not wear it.
Later she asked:
“Why aren’t you putting it on?”
“Because I don’t know what it means to you right now.”
She looked annoyed.
“It’s jewelry.”
“No.”
She knew.
I knew.
She sat on the edge of the couch.
“When I gave it to you, I thought you were staying forever.”
My throat tightened.
“I thought so too.”
“Are you leaving?”
“Your dad filed for divorce.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Teenagers are merciless when adults dodge.
“Yes.”
Her eyes filled.
“Because of me?”
“No.”
“Because I yelled at you?”
“No.”
“Because I lied?”
I stopped.
“Ava.”
“I lied in the statement.”
There.
My heart accelerated.
“What part?”
She immediately looked frightened.
I raised both hands.
“You don’t have to tell me.”
“Dad said the investigator would understand it better if I said multiple.”
I felt cold.
“Did he tell you to lie?”
“No.”
Too fast.
Then:
“He said I was minimizing.”
Important distinction.
Daniel did not necessarily dictate a false sentence.
He told her her own memory was unreliable until it expanded.
“He said you always touch me when I’m trying to leave.”
“Do you believe that?”
“I don’t know.”
She began crying.
“I don’t know what I believe anymore.”
I wanted to hug her.
Did not.
She moved first.
She leaned against me.
I wrapped my arms around her.
Then she whispered:
“Don’t tell Dad I told you.”
My heart broke for a different reason.
“I can’t promise secrecy if someone asks me directly in court.”
She pulled away.
“You always have to be correct.”
“No.”
May you like
I started crying too.
“I’m trying not to make another promise that hurts you later.”
