Chapter 24 - My apology to Vanessa
I did apologize.
Not for protecting Caleb.
For the kick itself.
After his first successful visit, I asked Vanessa to talk privately on the porch.
“I owe you something.”
She looked suspicious.
“I’m sorry I kicked you.”
She stared.
Then:
“You don’t have to.”
“Yes, I do.”
She opened her mouth.
I raised a hand.
“Not because you didn’t deserve consequences. Not because hitting Caleb was okay. I’m apologizing for my action.”
Vanessa went quiet.
“I was furious. I needed to get you away from him. I had already pulled him behind me. I don’t know if kicking was necessary by that point.”
She swallowed.
“I would’ve kicked me.”
“That doesn’t help.”
A small laugh.
Then:
“Thank you.”
No:
We were both wrong.
No false balance.
She said:
“I’m sorry again.”
“I know.”
Specific apologies do not cancel each other.
They clear separate accounts.
May you like
That was healthier than our childhood method:
Both of you say sorry so Mom can stop being uncomfortable.
