Chapter 12 - LEO GOT ANGRY
For months, Leo missed Martha.
Then he became angry.
The transition frightened Richard.
Leo ripped a photograph.
Refused therapy.
Screamed that everyone had lied.
One night he shouted:
“I HATE HER!”
Then immediately cried:
“I want Mom.”
His therapist told Richard both feelings could exist.
Children do not heal by choosing one clean emotion.
Leo eventually learned an age-appropriate version of what happened.
His mother had made him appear injured.
She put a cast on an arm that was not broken.
She kept it there when it was hurting him.
She gave him medicine he did not need.
Adults stopped her.
Leo asked:
“Did she want me dead?”
Richard answered carefully.
“No one has evidence that she wanted you dead.”
“Did she want me sick?”
“Yes.”
Leo cried.
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That was the hardest truth.
But it was a truth supported by evidence.
