Chapter 6 - THE APOLOGY THAT FAILED
Gene’s first apology was terrible.
We agreed to meet at a small park.
Holly played nearby.
Brandon and I sat with Gene at a picnic table.
Gene began:
“I’m sorry you felt excluded.”
Brandon closed his eyes.
“No.”
Gene stiffened.
“What?”
“Try again.”
“I apologized.”
“You apologized for her feeling.”
“That is what apologies are.”
“No.”
He looked at his mother.
“You did things.”
Gene’s face hardened.
“This is ridiculous.”
Brandon stood.
“We can leave.”
Panic crossed Gene’s face.
Small.
But visible.
“Sit down.”
He remained standing.
Gene looked toward Holly.
Then back.
“I’m sorry I called you a guest.”
Brandon waited.
“And?”
Gene exhaled sharply.
“I’m sorry about the candle.”
“And?”
She glared.
He did not rescue her.
Finally:
“I’m sorry I told you she was somebody else’s child.”
Brandon sat.
Better.
Then Gene ruined it.
“But you have to understand—”
“No.”
She stared.
“No ‘but.’”
Gene’s eyes filled.
“I don’t know how to do this.”
That was the first truthful thing she said.
Brandon’s expression softened slightly.
“Then learn.”
Gene looked toward Holly.
“What if she never forgives me?”
“That’s not the assignment.”
“What is?”
“Become somebody safer whether she rewards you or not.”
Gene cried.
Quietly this time.
The visit ended without Holly coming over.
That was okay.
Two weeks later, Gene requested another.
This time she brought no gift.
Holly approached.
Gene said:
“Hi.”
Holly:
“Hi.”
Awkward.
Then Gene asked:
“Do you want to look at pictures of my garden?”
Holly nodded.
Twenty minutes.
No family debate.
No tears.
No demand for a hug.
When we left, Holly said:
“Garden Grandma is back a little.”
Brandon looked out the window so she would not see him cry.
Progress.
Not redemption.
May you like
Progress.
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