Chapter 25 - ELEANOR’S LETTER
Eleanor wrote from prison for years.
First letters:
I was trying to protect the family.
Rejected.
Emma never understood what was at stake.
Rejected.
Lily should know I never intended—
Rejected.
Then, after eight years:
I put medication in Emma’s drink without telling her.
Specific.
I used her confusion to support papers she had refused.
Specific.
I pushed her.
Specific.
I locked Lily in the freezer because I was afraid she would tell Vincent before the Ridgeway closing.
Specific.
I knew the freezer was dangerous. I told myself it would be only a few minutes.
Specific.
I was wrong.
No excuse.
Emma read it.
I read it.
Lily was fourteen.
We asked therapist.
“Her choice.”
Lily declined.
At eighteen, she asked.
Read.
Then sat quietly.
“What do I do with it?”
“Anything.”
“Do I answer?”
“If you want.”
She did not.
At twenty-two, she sent:
I remember being cold. I also remember Dad opening the lid. I do not want a relationship with you right now.
Eleanor replied once:
I understand.
No pressure.
That was the first boundary she respected without arguing.
May you like
Late.
Still real.
