Chapter 24 - What Thomas Finally Said
Dad turned sixty six.
We celebrated at a small restaurant.
No gala.
After dessert, he asked to speak outside.
“What?”
“I’m getting older.”
“Congratulations.”
He smiled.
“I’ve updated my will.”
“Okay.”
“No surprises.”
“Good.”
“Equal between you and Ryan after certain charitable gifts.”
“I don’t care.”
“I know.”
“Then why tell me?”
“Because I spent years using money and inheritance as a way to avoid emotional honesty.”
I looked at him.
“Therapy spreading.”
“Unfortunately.”
He became serious.
“Claire, I was proud of you before Winter Glass.”
I said nothing.
“I was proud when you enlisted.”
Nothing.
“I was proud when you made warrant.”
My throat tightened.
“I was proud when you came home.”
That one hurt.
“You didn’t act like it.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because seeing you injured made me feel responsible.”
“I know.”
“And instead of helping you, I withdrew.”
“Yes.”
“I am sorry.”
I had heard apologies.
This one did not ask for forgiveness.
Good.
“I believe you.”
He looked relieved.
Not forgiven.
Believed.
Different.
Then:
“I also should have stopped Patricia from withdrawing your West Point application.”
“Yes.”
“I should have told you.”
“Yes.”
“I should have defended you when Ryan mocked you.”
“Yes.”
“You enjoy these yeses.”
“A little.”
He laughed.
Then his eyes filled.
“Can I ask one thing?”
“What?”
“Did recommending you put you in that hospital?”
I looked at my father.
“No.”
He started crying.
I continued.
“You gave one opinion. I applied. I accepted. I served. The mission happened because of decisions far above both of us. You do not get to make my life your guilt.”
He covered his face.
For the first time, I gave my father something he had been unable to give himself.
Not absolution.
Accuracy.
He whispered:
“Thank you.”
I nodded.
That night, when I got home, Patricia had left a voicemail.
“Your father told me what you said.”
Of course.
Then:
“I wish I had learned earlier that loving someone does not make their choices yours to manage.”
I listened twice.
Then deleted it.
May you like
Not angrily.
I had heard enough.
