Chapter 15 - MY OWN BAD ACTMy assault on Linda did not vanish because her texts were ugly.
Police reviewed photographs.
Witnesses.
Ethan’s cheek.
Linda’s face.
The shaved strip.
I was charged with misdemeanor assault.
No serious injury.
No prior record.
My attorney negotiated diversion later.
Counseling.
Community service.
No conviction after successful completion.
I accepted.
Friends told me:
“She deserved worse.”
That was not the point.
Ethan once asked:
“Why were you in trouble if Grandma hit me first?”
Because he was five.
Because answers matter.
“I was allowed to stop her from hurting you.”
“You did.”
“After you were behind me, I went back to hurt her.”
He thought.
“She was mean.”
“Yes.”
“But still?”
“Still.”
He nodded.
“Okay.”
May you like
That was harder than defending myself.
Better too.
