Chapter 23 - Peter learns the word stop
My father’s apology was harder.
He did not believe feelings should require ceremonies.
His first:
“I’m sorry the boy got hurt.”
No.
Then:
“I’m sorry I said he deserved it.”
Better.
But I asked:
“Why did you say it?”
He became angry.
“Do we have to dissect every sentence?”
“Yes.”
He left.
Three months later, he came back.
Not physically to my house.
He called.
“I’ve been thinking.”
Dangerous opening from Peter.
“Okay.”
“I thought Lena was correcting him.”
“With perfume.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
Silence.
Then:
“I was angry at you.”
There.
“Why?”
“You slapped her and called me an asshole in my house.”
Fair.
“So when you said Eli deserved it—”
“I was defending my authority.”
That surprised me.
Peter continued:
“I didn’t like you telling me what I should think in my own living room.”
“Dad, he was crying.”
“I know.”
His voice broke slightly.
“I know now.”
Then:
“I should’ve gone to him.”
Yes.
He later apologized to Eli.
Short.
“I should have helped you when you said stop.”
That was the sentence.
No speech about toughness.
No debate.
May you like
Eli accepted.
Trust rebuilt slowly.
