Chapter 16
Gordon returned once.
Not to ask for power.
To apologize to Jonah and Elsie.
I almost refused.
Jonah said yes.
Elsie said no.
So Gordon met Jonah alone.
That mattered.
No forcing siblings into the same forgiveness schedule.
They sat outside.
Gordon looked terrified.
Interesting reversal.
Jonah held a lemonade cup.
Same pavilion.
Same table replaced years ago.
Gordon started:
“I’m sorry.”
Jonah asked:
“For what?”
Children learn specificity when adults finally model it.
Gordon swallowed.
“For making you choose.”
More.
“For threatening Elsie.”
More.
“For putting you in the cupboard.”
More.
“For making you think keeping her safe was your job.”
There.
Jonah looked at him.
“Why?”
Gordon answered honestly.
“Because my dad made me feel weak my whole life, and making you scared made me feel strong.”
I almost stopped breathing.
Not a good excuse.
A good truth.
Jonah stared at his drink.
“That stupid.”
Gordon laughed once.
“Yes.”
“Don’t do kids again.”
“I won’t.”
Jonah nodded.
Meeting over.
No hug.
No forgiveness declaration.
Later I asked:
“How feel?”
Jonah shrugged.
“Hungry.”
Healthy.
We ate.
Gordon left.
Elsie watched from an upstairs window but never came down.
May you like
Her choice remained no.
Everyone survived.
