Chapter 12 - Vanessa Faced Lily’s Question
Almost a year after the hanger incident, Lily asked to attend a
supervised restorative session with Vanessa.
Ethan did not suggest it.
The therapist did not pressure her.
Lily asked.
Vanessa entered the room looking nervous.
Lily sat beside Ethan.
Noah chose not to attend.
Vanessa said:
“I’m sorry.”
Lily looked at her.
“Why did you hit us?”
Vanessa’s eyes filled.
“I was angry and scared, and I thought being in charge meant making you
obey me.”
“Did we make you?”
“No.”
“Did Caleb make you?”
“No.”
“Did Dad?”
“No.”
Lily nodded.
“Okay.”
Vanessa seemed surprised.
“That’s all?”
“No.”
Lily took a breath.
“Why did you hide the school letters?”
“Because I was afraid your dad would find out.”
“You knew it was wrong.”
“Yes.”
“Before he caught you.”
Vanessa cried.
“Yes.”
Ethan felt something shift.
That was the distinction Lily needed.
Vanessa had not discovered the behavior was wrong because Ethan
objected.
She had known.
She hid it because she knew.
Lily asked one final question.
“Do you still hit kids?”
“No.”
“How do I know?”
Vanessa looked toward the therapist.
Then back at Lily.
“You don’t have to know. You don’t have to trust me.”
Lily relaxed.
She did not hug Vanessa.
She did not forgive her aloud.
She left holding Ethan’s hand.
Outside, Ethan asked:
“How do you feel?”
“Hungry.”
He laughed.
“What do you want?”
“Pancakes.”
“At four in the afternoon?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent choice.”
They found a diner.
Lily ordered chocolate-chip pancakes.
Noah joined them with Grace.
The afternoon ended not with a dramatic emotional speech.
May you like
With syrup.
That felt healthier.
