Chapter 21 - Carla and me
Carla asked to meet without Louis.
I almost refused.
Then agreed.
Public coffee shop.
She said:
“I know you think I wanted your house.”
“I think you wanted access to what the house could solve.”
She considered.
“Fair.”
“Why Meadowbrook?”
“My grandmother lived alone too long.”
“That isn’t me.”
“I know now.”
“You knew then.”
She shook her head.
“No. I thought I knew better.”
That was more accurate.
Then:
“I was scared Louis was going to lose the business.”
“So you planned my life.”
“I planned options.”
“With my money.”
She closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
“Why film the bowl?”
Her face changed.
“I thought it was funny.”
“No.”
“I know.”
“Why keep recording when you saw my face?”
She looked down.
That was the question.
Not why start.
Why continue.
Finally:
“Because stopping would’ve meant admitting Louis had gone too far while everyone was watching.”
There it was.
Social cowardice.
Not unique.
Still harmful.
She apologized.
May you like
I accepted the apology as information.
Trust required behavior.
