Chapter 23 - Claire’s letter to Nora
Claire was not allowed to send Nora anything directly for a long time.
After sentencing and treatment, her therapist requested permission for a written apology.
Paige.
Nora’s therapist.
Me.
All reviewed.
The first draft was rejected.
Too much explanation.
Second better.
The final letter read:
Nora,
You came to my house believing Ryan knew you were there.
There.
He did not.
There.
I knew there was a chance Ryan was your father because your mom had contacted me years earlier.
There.
I should have told him then.
There.
Then:
When Ryan came home earlier than I expected, I became afraid he would learn both secrets at once.
I put you in the utility room.
I locked the door.
You asked to come out.
I did not let you.
There.
I told Ethan not to tell.
There.
I am sorry.
Then:
You did nothing wrong.
You were not hidden because there was something wrong with you.
There.
That sentence mattered.
Nora read the letter at six.
Not five.
She asked:
“Do I have to answer?”
“No.”
“Can I rip?”
“Yes.”
She did not.
She folded it.
Put it in a drawer.
Weeks later it disappeared.
Maybe trash.
Maybe backpack.
I never asked.
May you like
Apologies belong to the harmed person after delivery.
Not the apologizer.
