Chapter 15
Dominic was released when Grace was twelve and Noah was ten.
I prepared for fear.
It came.
But smaller than expected.
He requested supervised visits.
The children decided separately.
Grace said no.
Noah said maybe.
I said both answers were allowed.
Dominic accepted them.
That surprised me.
At the first supervised visit, Noah brought a list of questions.
His therapist helped.
Dominic answered each one.
Why did you hit Mom?
Because I was angry and entitled, and I chose violence.
Did you love Serena?
I loved how she made me feel important. That is not the same as love.
Did you steal my trust?
I tried to. I am ashamed.
Noah came home quiet.
Then said, “He didn’t lie.”
I hugged him.
“That matters.”
Grace read the transcript weeks later.
She cried.
Then agreed to one supervised visit.
Dominic cried when he saw her.
She did not hug him.
He did not ask.
Good.
Maybe prison had taught him something.
May you like
Maybe losing everything had.
Maybe both.
