Chapter 15
Camilla waited six weeks before asking to see Sophia.
Not because I told her to wait.
Because Sophia said no.
The first time I asked, she hid behind my leg.
The second time, she changed the subject.
The third time, she said, “Maybe later.”
So later it was.
Camilla hated it.
She accepted it anyway.
That mattered.
When Sophia finally agreed, the meeting happened in my garden. No closed rooms. No Grant. No Lucia. No pressure.
Camilla arrived without jewelry.
I noticed because Camilla never went anywhere without looking assembled.
Sophia stayed beside me.
Her mother crouched several feet away.
“I’m sorry.”
Sophia looked at her.
“For cage?”
Camilla’s face broke.
“Yes.”
“For phone?”
“Yes.”
“For saying Dad doesn’t need me?”
Camilla began crying.
“Yes.”
Sophia thought about all three.
Then said something only a child could make sound simple.
“That was mean.”
Camilla covered her mouth.
“Yes.”
Sophia did not hug her.
I did not encourage her.
After a while, she showed Camilla a picture she had drawn.
That was all.
Camilla accepted it like a gift she did not deserve.
When she left, Sophia watched from the steps.
“Mom coming back?”
“If you want.”
Sophia nodded slowly.
“Not tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
She took my hand.
That moment taught me something leadership never had.
Forgiveness forced on someone is not forgiveness.
It is another form of obedience.
May you like
Sophia had already had enough obedience disguised as love.
From now on, closeness would be chosen.
