Chapter 9 - My case resolves
The county prosecutor offered a diversion agreement.
Minor assault allegation.
No prior record.
Superficial injury.
Strong provocative context.
Still intentional throwing.
My attorney explained the options.
“We could contest intent and argue you were acting under acute emotional provocation.”
“Would that make it self-defense?”
“No.”
Good.
No fantasy.
Dad had not been physically threatening Lily when I threw the steak.
I had been angry.
“I’ll take diversion.”
Conditions:
Twelve hours of conflict-management programming.
Twenty-five hours community service.
No unlawful contact with Frank.
No new offenses for six months.
Dismissal upon successful completion.
Dad called it:
“Finally, accountability.”
I heard through Karen.
I laughed.
Then stopped.
He was right about one narrow thing.
Accountability.
Mine.
I completed every requirement.
The class irritated me during the first hour.
The facilitator asked:
“What did throwing the steak accomplish?”
I said:
“It stopped the laughter.”
“Temporarily.”
“Yes.”
“Did it make Lily safer?”
I wanted to argue.
Then:
“Not more than leaving would have.”
Good.
I wrote that down.
My anger was justified.
My throw was mine.
Both truths could coexist.
I told Lily only:
“Mom made a bad choice throwing food at Grandpa.”
She looked shocked.
“But he was mean.”
“Yes.”
“So?”
“So I could have taken you and left.”
“You did.”
“After.”
She considered.
“Are you sorry?”
“Yes.”
“To Grandpa?”
That was harder.
“I’m sorry I hit him with the steak.”
“Are you sorry you yelled?”
“No.”
She smiled slightly.
Children appreciate precision when it favors their preferred adult.
I added:
“Being right about one thing doesn’t make everything you do right.”
She groaned.
“Mom.”
“Life lesson.”
May you like
“Too many.”
True.
