Chapter 13
Dominic wrote me from prison after his first year.
Not through lawyers.
Through the approved family channel.
Naomi reviewed it first.
“He doesn’t threaten you.”
“Does he apologize?”
“Better than before.”
I read it alone.
Amelia,
I keep replaying the store. Not the moment you put the ring down. The moment before. When you asked about the children and I looked at Serena instead of you.
That was the whole marriage, wasn’t it?
Me looking anywhere except where I owed love.
I am sorry I hit you.
I am sorry I stole from you.
I am sorry I made our children watch me become unsafe.
I do not ask for forgiveness.
I ask only that you tell Grace and Noah I am trying to become someone who deserves a future apology to them.
I cried.
I hated that I cried.
Then I gave the letter to the children’s therapist.
Not to Grace.
Not yet.
Noah was too young.
Grace was still angry.
Anger deserved time.
I wrote one sentence back.
May you like
Trying is your responsibility. Safety is mine.
That was all.
