Chapter 12 - Richard Told The Whole Truth

Richard finally admitted why he kept Evelyn’s letter.
His father ordered him to destroy it.
Richard did not.
He kept it in a locked file for seven years.
Claire stared at him.
“You still have it?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I told myself I’d give it to you when the right time came.”
Claire almost laughed.
Seven years.
No right time.
Only repeated decisions not to choose one.
Richard brought the letter.
It was unopened by Claire.
Opened by him.
Evelyn’s handwriting covered six pages.
Claire read it alone.
Her mother apologized.
Explained the settlement.
Begged Claire not to believe silence meant lack of love.
At the bottom:
If Richard gives you this, then maybe I was wrong about him.
Claire cried for an hour.
May you like
Richard sat outside the room.
He did not enter.