Chapter 23 - Arthur finally uses the right verb
Arthur’s apology came almost two years after the party.
Through his attorney first.
Then, after Noah and I agreed, in writing directly to us.
Clara, I slapped Gigi.
Finally.
I did not swat her hand. I did not accidentally hit her when she turned. I slapped her because I believed she was ignoring an adult instruction.
I continued.
I thought I had the right to discipline children in the family when their parents were not acting quickly enough. I did not.
There.
Mom’s habit of asking me to “handle” things helped me justify that belief, but she did not make me raise my hand.
Good.
I also used your kick against Mom to pretend we were equally responsible for what happened. We were responsible for different things.
Very good.
Then:
I still believe children need boundaries. I no longer believe every adult gets to enforce those boundaries physically or according to his own preferences.
That sentence sounded like Arthur.
Not therapy language only.
Useful.
He did not ask to see Gigi.
He wrote:
If she never wants contact, I understand.
I showed Noah.
He said:
“That’s better.”
“Do you believe him?”
“No idea.”
Same.
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An apology describes understanding.
Behavior tests it.
