Chapter 24 - Carla writes to Lily
Carla was not allowed direct contact.
Eventually she wrote a letter through lawyers and Lily’s therapist.
I read it first.
Lily, I hit your leg with the skewer.
No euphemism.
I was angry because you told me I was not your mother. You were right. I am not your mother.
I had to stop.
Then:
I wanted you to obey me because I felt rejected. My feelings were an adult problem. They were not yours to fix.
Good.
Your words did not make me hit you. I made that choice.
Then:
You never owe me a hug.
That one mattered.
Lily chose not to read the letter at ten.
At eleven she asked for it.
She read silently.
Then said:
“She finally knows.”
“What?”
“That she’s not Mom.”
Children can reduce a year of therapy into six words.
I laughed.
Then cried.
Lily rolled her eyes.
“Mom.”
“What?”
“You cry a lot.”
“Yes.”
“Grandpa Frank hates that.”
“Grandpa Frank is adjusting.”
She laughed.
May you like
The word cry had lost some of its power.
Good.
