Chapter 21 - Linda’s first apology
Linda’s first letter was terrible.
I am sorry Megan has chosen to destroy this family over one terrible mistake.
Returned unread after that sentence.
Second:
I am sorry Ellie was injured.
Passive.
No.
Third came almost two years after the incident.
Her lawyer forwarded it.
Megan, I threw the coffee.
There.
I kept reading.
I told myself for months that I had only moved my arm and that Ellie happened to be where the coffee went. That is not accurate.
Good.
I was angry that she ignored me. I wanted to frighten her away from the cup and make her associate grabbing with an immediate consequence.
There.
The whole philosophy.
I knew the coffee was hot. I did not believe it was hot enough to burn her as badly as it did. That belief was reckless.
Yes.
I did not intend to burn her face. I still chose to use hot liquid around a two-year-old because I believed my right to discipline her mattered more than waiting for her mother.
That sentence mattered most.
Then:
I called it an accident because I was ashamed and afraid.
Finally:
I am sorry.
No demand to see Ellie.
No:
But Megan slapped me.
No:
Ben should have defended me.
I replied through counsel:
May you like
I received your letter. Thank you for describing your actions accurately.
Nothing else.
