Chapter 22 - Derek’s Release Hearing
Derek became eligible for parole consideration after serving substantial portion of sentence.
I received notice.
Victim statement optional.
I almost ignored.
Lily was fourteen.
Old enough to understand broadly.
Not responsible for decision.
I asked whether she wanted to know.
“Yes.”
“Uncle Derek may be considered for release.”
She stared.
“Here?”
“No. From prison. There would be supervision.”
“Can he come near us?”
“Not unless legal orders change, and I will oppose unsupervised contact.”
“Do I decide?”
“No.”
She relaxed.
Good.
Children should not carry parole decisions.
I submitted statement focused on safety.
Not vengeance.
Derek had accepted responsibility.
Completed programs.
No discipline issues for years.
His release plan placed him two counties away.
Parole board approved release with restrictions.
I felt sick.
Then nothing happened.
No dramatic doorstep.
No threatening call.
He moved into transitional housing.
Got warehouse job.
Reported.
Stayed away.
Months later, Nora received a letter:
I understand no contact. I will not contact Lily. If Alex ever wants information about the case, I will answer through counsel.
That was all.
Maybe he changed.
Maybe consequences taught compliance.
Either way, distance worked.
I stopped checking offender portal every week.
Then every month.
May you like
Then almost never.
Freedom for me looked like not needing to know where he was every hour.
