Chapter 9 - THE VISIT
Marcus asked to see me.
Not Sophia.
He understood he hadn't earned that.
We met through glass.
He looked twenty years older.
“How is she?”
“Better.”
“Does she ask about me?”
Sometimes.
I didn't tell him.
“That isn't information you're entitled to right now.”
He nodded.
“Fair.”
He slid a letter toward the glass.
“For someday.”
I didn't touch it.
“What is it?”
“An apology.”
“Then keep it.”
His face changed.
“Why?”
“Because you're still writing it for yourself.”
He stared.
“If Sophia ever wants something from you, she'll decide.”
Marcus lowered his eyes.
“You really hate me.”
“No.”
That was the hardest truth.
“I love you.”
He looked up.
“And I still think you belong exactly where you are.”
Tears appeared in his eyes.
People imagine love and accountability are opposites.
They aren't.
Sometimes accountability is the only honest shape love has left.
Before I left, Marcus said:
“Michael.”
I stopped.
“She told me the chair hurt.”
My hand tightened on the door.
“The first time was months before Christmas.”
I turned.
“I told her to stop complaining.”
His face crumpled.
“I keep hearing it.”
I didn't comfort him.
Some pain isn't supposed to be removed.
May you like
It's supposed to change what you do next.
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