Chapter 10 - My slap
Ashley filed no police report.
My father did.
Not for himself.
He called the police after learning I had thrown documents at Mom and slapped Ashley.
He said he was concerned my behavior was:
“escalating.”
That was both strategic and partly fair.
Officer came.
Took statements.
Ashley initially said she did not want charges.
State could still proceed.
Video clearly showed me slap her after the immediate cake-smashing had ended.
No self-defense.
No physical threat from Ashley at that moment.
I owned it.
My attorney negotiated misdemeanor diversion.
No arrest.
No jail.
Conflict-management class.
Community service.
No new offenses.
Case dismissed after completion.
I told Noah.
Age-appropriate.
“I got in trouble for hitting Aunt Ashley.”
He looked confused.
“But Emma ruined my cake.”
“Yes.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Emma’s choice and my choice are different.”
“Did Ashley deserve it?”
I thought.
“She deserved to be confronted.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Seven-year-olds are exhausting.
“No. Adults don’t get a free slap because they say cruel things.”
He frowned.
“What if someone hits me?”
“You can protect yourself and get away.”
“What if they smash my cake?”
“You do not start a boxing match.”
He almost smiled.
“Okay.”
Then:
“Are you sorry?”
“Yes.”
“To Ashley?”
“For hitting her, yes.”
Not for canceling money.
May you like
That was a separate issue.
Precision again.
