Chapter 10 - Vanessa’s case
Vanessa’s conduct toward Lily was reviewed separately.
No serious physical injury.
Cake was soft.
The humiliation was intentional.
The prosecution also considered the broader messages that emerged later showing resentment toward Lily, but criminal cases do not punish thoughts.
The clearest act was the birthday incident.
Video showed deliberate contact.
Vanessa eventually accepted a misdemeanor harassment/child-endangerment-type resolution.
No incarceration.
Probationary supervision.
Behavioral counseling.
No direct contact with Lily during the supervision period unless I and Lily’s therapist agreed.
She paid for the cleaning and replacement of Lily’s dress? The dress could be cleaned. No need.
She also paid a modest amount toward additional counseling through civil settlement.
No revenge sentence.
No felony monster label.
She had done something cruel.
The legal system treated what could be proven.
I hated that her consequence felt so ordinary.
Then Dana asked:
“What consequence would satisfy you?”
I could not answer without sounding like the version of myself I did not want.
So I stopped trying to turn punishment into emotional equivalence.
Vanessa lost the marriage.
That was not a sentence imposed by court.
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It was consequence imposed by incompatibility and trust.
Different system.
