Chapter 22 - Linda apologizes
Linda called me after mediation.
I almost did not answer.
She said:
“I’m sorry.”
I waited.
Not:
For what happened.
Specific.
She said:
“I knew you might not know we were moving in.”
There.
“Ron told me Derek said the papers were done. I wanted to call you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Ron said it would insult Derek.”
I laughed softly.
“Derek was forging my wife.”
“I know.”
She cried.
Then:
“I chose not to know.”
That was an accurate sentence.
She did not create the deed.
Did not borrow money.
Did not threaten me.
But she sensed conflict and chose comfort.
I understood that kind of failure.
I had made versions myself over a lifetime.
I said:
“Thank you for saying it accurately.”
She asked:
“Can you forgive us?”
“No.”
Silence.
Then:
“Maybe someday I won’t be angry.”
She breathed.
May you like
“I understand.”
That was enough.
