Chapter 13 - THE LETTER FROM DANIEL
Daniel wrote to me eighteen months after our divorce.
A handwritten letter.
Three pages.
I recognized his handwriting immediately.
He apologized.
For Claire.
For the lies.
For the financial decisions.
For asking me to misrepresent the truth.
He said he'd been attending counseling.
Trying to rebuild his life.
Facing the consequences of his choices.
He wrote that losing me had forced him to confront the person he'd become.
I read the letter twice.
Then folded it.
***
Rachel asked whether I planned to respond.
I considered.
“Maybe.”
“Do you want him back?”
“No.”
She nodded.
“Then what do you want?”
I looked down.
“Closure.”
Rachel smiled sadly.
“Sometimes closure is something you give yourself.”
I thought about that.
Then wrote a short response.
Daniel,
I hope you continue taking responsibility for your choices.
I have moved forward with my life.
I don't wish you harm, but I don't want to return to our marriage.
I hope you find a healthier way to live.
Amelia.
I mailed it.
Then went to dinner with Thomas.
***
That evening, Thomas asked:
“Everything okay?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“Good.”
I looked at him.
“You're not going to ask what happened?”
He shrugged.
“If you want to tell me, I'll listen.”
I smiled.
Then took his hand.
I told him.
He listened.
When I finished, he said:
“Sounds like you handled it with a lot of grace.”
I laughed.
“Some days.”
May you like
He smiled.
“That's enough.”
