Chapter 12 - Karen Apologized Without Explaining Herself
Ella agreed to see Karen three months later.
The meeting happened with her therapist present.
Karen sat across from her.
No makeup.
No polished blouse.
Just jeans and a sweater.
Ella brought one medal.
The barbecue-sauce one.
Its ribbon had been replaced.
Karen looked at it.
“I’m sorry.”
Ella said nothing.
Karen continued.
“I threw your medals away because I was angry about things that had nothing to do with you.”
No mention of Tyler.
Good.
“I made you feel like being proud was wrong.”
Ella nodded.
“It was.”
Karen’s voice shook.
“I also told you not to complain because your dad would be sad.”
Another nod.
“That was wrong too.”
Ella looked at the medal.
Then asked:
“Do you hate when I win?”
Karen cried.
“No.”
“Then why did you get mad?”
Karen could have explained her childhood.
Her father.
Her brother.
Inheritance.
Instead she said:
“Because I had feelings I didn’t handle like a grown-up.”
That was the right answer.
Ella looked toward her therapist.
Then back at Karen.
“Tyler said he doesn’t care.”
“I know.”
“Were you lying about him?”
Karen swallowed.
“Yes.”
That cost her.
Then Ella asked:
“Can I show you my medal?”
Karen stared.
“If you want.”
Ella held it out.
Karen did not touch it until Ella gave permission.
Then she looked at the little bronze disk.
“Long jump?”
“Second place.”
“That’s amazing.”
Ella studied her carefully.
Then:
“I got first in the 100.”
Karen smiled through tears.
“Can I hear about it?”
Ella nodded.
That was not forgiveness.
May you like
It was a conversation.
For now, that was enough.
