Chapter 21 - Margaret at Seventy
Margaret turned seventy when Lily was fifteen.
She had not seen Lily in seven years.
Lily asked:
“Is she still alive?”
“Yes.”
“Can I see picture?”
I found recent family photo from public charity page.
Margaret looked older.
Gray hair.
Glasses.
Lily stared.
“She looks normal.”
“Most people do.”
“Do you hate her?”
I thought.
“No.”
“Forgive?”
“Parts.”
“Would you see her?”
“Only if you wanted and safe.”
Lily considered.
“Maybe once.”
We spoke with therapist.
Not Dr. Chen anymore; Lily had graduated regular therapy but returned for consultation.
We arranged one supervised meeting in counselor’s office.
Margaret stood when Lily entered.
Then stopped.
“Can I hug?”
Lily said:
“No.”
Margaret nodded.
“Okay.”
Progress measured in one syllable.
They sat.
Lily asked:
“Why hair?”
Margaret answered:
“Because I wanted control.”
No excuses.
“Did you hate me?”
“No.”
“Then why say nobody loves bald freak?”
Margaret cried.
“Because I wanted to hurt you enough that you would obey me.”
Brutal honesty.
Lily stared.
“That’s awful.”
“Yes.”
“Do you still think adults get to do that?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Meeting lasted thirty minutes.
No hug at end.
Lily said:
“Maybe again someday.”
Margaret:
May you like
“Only if you ask.”
That was all.
