Chapter 23 - The Camera
The brass security camera stayed in my garage drawer for nine years.
Then Lily found it.
She was twelve.
“What’s this ancient thing?”
“Ancient?”
“It’s huge.”
“It was modern once.”
“Where from?”
I hesitated.
Then:
“Great Falls.”
Her face changed.
“The Christmas?”
“Yes.”
“Did it record?”
“Yes.”
“Can I watch?”
My immediate answer:
“No.”
She frowned.
“Why?”
“Because seeing an adult hit your mother when you were three may not help you.”
“I remember.”
“Pieces.”
“I want to know.”
We discussed with therapist.
At twelve, should she watch? Maybe not necessary. Dr Sara said child should have agency but no reason. She can choose later. We compromised: she could read a neutral written summary of evidence, not video. At sixteen maybe choose.
She accepted.
We gave age appropriate summary.
Margaret hit Claire.
Ethan intervened.
Lily cried.
They left.
Margaret later committed property fraud.
No graphic.
Lily asked:
“Did Grandma really call you trash?”
“Yes.”
“She’s weird.”
“Yes.”
“Did you cry?”
“Later.”
“Dad?”
“Later.”
“Grandpa?”
“Probably.”
She thought.
“Everybody cried except Grandma.”
“Maybe she did privately.”
“Do you care?”
“No.”
True.
Then she held camera.
“What do we do with it?”
“Recycle?”
She looked surprised.
“You don’t want it?”
“No.”
“The evidence?”
“Archived.”
“The actual camera?”
“Just plastic and metal.”
We recycled electronics.
May you like
No shrine.
That chapter ended physically.
