Chapter 21 - Helen
Mom walked to witness stand alone.
Dad stared at her.
She did not look at him until sworn.
The prosecutor asked:
“Who introduced the old notebook when Richard began practicing with Ethan?”
Helen’s voice shook.
“I did.”
Dad’s lawyer looked almost relieved.
Shared responsibility.
Good.
“Why?”
“I believed parts of how we raised Michael helped him.”
“Did Michael authorize?”
“No.”
“Laura?”
“No.”
“Did you know they would object?”
“Yes.”
“Then why?”
“I thought they were too protective.”
There.
No hiding.
Then:
“Did you later believe Richard went too far?”
“Yes.”
“What did you do?”
“I shortened sessions. Gave water. Returned toys. Argued.”
“Did you tell Ethan’s parents?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because then I would have to admit I helped start it.”
That was perhaps most honest thing she said.
Then defense.
“You are divorcing my client.”
“Yes.”
“Angry?”
“Yes.”
“Financial dispute?”
“Ordinary divorce.”
“Do you blame Richard for your marriage failing?”
“No.”
That surprised.
“What do you blame?”
“My choices and his.”
Good.
Then:
“Did Richard ever say he wanted to injure Ethan?”
“No.”
“Did he love Ethan?”
“Yes.”
“Did you believe some structured practice benefited Ethan?”
“At first.”
“So Richard wasn’t alone.”
“No.”
“Did you ever falsify notebook entries?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To make Richard think Ethan was improving faster so he would stop pushing.”
“So your records are unreliable.”
“Some numbers are.”
Important.
Notebook not perfect evidence.
Then:
“You never saw Richard intentionally physically injure Ethan.”
“No.”
“Never saw him strike him.”
“No.”
“Never saw him deprive him of food for an entire day.”
“No.”
Good.
The charge was not assault.
Then defense asked:
“Do you believe Richard is a monster?”
Mom looked at Dad.
“No.”
He almost relaxed.
Then she said:
“I believe he loved us and believed being right gave him too much permission.”
May you like
Dad looked away.
That sentence followed us out.
