Chapter 11
Julian apologized to Elliot after ten months.
Not before.
I made him wait because Elliot did not want to see him.
Simple.
Then one morning Elliot asked:
“Uncle Julian still broken?”
I almost laughed.
“Broken?”
“The wood fell on him.”
Ah.
Children.
“He healed.”
“Can I see?”
We arranged a short visit.
Garden room.
Not the patio.
Julian entered without capo pin.
His choice.
Elliot noticed.
“Where shiny thing?”
“Not wearing it today.”
“Why?”
Julian looked at me.
I gave nothing.
“Because I’m here as your cousin.”
Technically uncle-like older cousin but to Elliot maybe Cousin Julian? User says Julian is Agatha's son, Conrad's cousin, so Elliot would call Uncle Julian colloquially. Fine.
Elliot nodded.
Then asked:
“Why chain me?”
Julian’s face changed.
“I thought making you uncomfortable would make you stronger.”
“Did it?”
“No.”
Good.
Then Elliot:
“It hurt.”
“I know.”
“You knew then?”
Harder.
Julian swallowed.
“Yes.”
There.
Important.
He could not hide inside ignorance.
Elliot stared.
Then:
“That bad.”
“Yes.”
No forgiveness.
No hug.
Julian left after ten minutes.
Outside, he leaned against the wall.
May you like
I said nothing.
Adults can carry their own shame.
