Chapter 13 - THE SISTER WHO ASKED FOR FORGIVENESS
Vivian contacted Delia six months after the gala.
Her message was short.
Can we talk?
Delia stared at it for a long time.
Then agreed to meet in a public café.
Vivian arrived without jewelry.
Her hair was pulled back.
She looked tired.
“Hello, Delia.”
“Vivian.”
They sat.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Then Vivian said:
“I was cruel to you.”
Delia looked up.
Vivian's eyes filled.
“I made you feel small because I was afraid of being ordinary.”
Delia remained quiet.
“Father always told me I was the beautiful one.”
She swallowed.
“And you were the useful one.”
Delia looked down.
“I know.”
Vivian began crying.
“I believed him.”
Delia felt sadness.
But she didn't rush to comfort her.
Vivian continued.
“I helped with things I didn't understand because I wanted him to be proud of me.”
She looked at Delia.
“And when I realized what was happening, I was too frightened to stop.”
Delia took a breath.
“You hurt people.”
Vivian nodded.
“I know.”
“And saying you're sorry doesn't erase that.”
“I know.”
Delia studied her sister.
For the first time, Vivian wasn't asking to be admired.
She was asking to be seen honestly.
“I don't know if we can be close again,” Delia said.
Vivian nodded.
“I understand.”
“But maybe we can start by telling each other the truth.”
Vivian began crying again.
May you like
This time, Delia reached across the table.
And held her hand.
