Chapter 14 - ETHAN ASKED ABOUT SERENA
Ethan was eight when he found an old engagement photograph.
“Who’s that?”
I froze.
“Serena.”
“Was she your girlfriend?”
“Fiancée.”
“What’s that?”
“Someone I planned to marry.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Age-appropriate truth.
“She hurt people in our family.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
He looked startled.
“Do I remember?”
“Probably not clearly.”
“Did she hit me?”
I answered carefully.
“She handled you roughly and hurt your arm. She also hurt Lily.”
“Did you stop her?”
“Eventually.”
He stared at me.
“Eventually?”
Children find the word you wish you had avoided.
“I should have understood sooner.”
“Did Lily tell you?”
“She tried.”
“Did you believe her?”
“Not enough.”
He was quiet.
Then:
“That was bad.”
“Yes.”
“Are you sorry?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell Lily?”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
Accountability again.
May you like
No perfect father myth.
No rewriting.
