Chapter 11 - THE FATHER'S APOLOGY
Dominic visited the Marigold Theater on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
Elliot was reviewing construction plans.
Norah was arranging chairs.
When Dominic entered, Elliot looked up.
“Father.”
Dominic nodded.
“Elliot.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Dominic looked around.
“The place looks good.”
Elliot blinked.
“Thank you.”
Dominic walked toward the stage.
“Your mother would have liked this.”
Elliot's expression changed.
“Yes.”
Dominic turned.
“I owe you an apology.”
Elliot stared.
Dominic swallowed.
“I treated you as though being different meant being incapable.”
His voice grew rough.
“I let Enzo mock you.”
Elliot looked down.
“I know.”
Dominic nodded.
“I should have stopped him.”
“Yes.”
The honesty hurt.
Dominic accepted it.
“I can't change what I did.”
Elliot looked up.
“No.”
“But I can change what I do next.”
Elliot was silent.
Then he said:
“I don't need you to understand everything about me.”
Dominic nodded.
“I know.”
“I need you to believe me when I tell you what I need.”
Dominic's eyes filled.
“I'll try.”
Elliot looked at him for a long moment.
Then nodded.
May you like
“That's a start.”
And for the first time in years, father and son began a conversation that wasn't built on disappointment.
