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MY SON HIT ME THIRTY TIMES IN THE MANSION I BOUGHT FOR HIM, WHILE HIS WIFE WATCHED ME BLEED AND SAID, “THROW THE OLD PARASITE INTO THE STREET.” I DIDN’T FIGHT BACK. THE NEXT MORNING, I SIGNED ONE DOCUMENT—AND BY NOON, THEY FINALLY LEARNED WHOSE HOUSE THEY HAD BEEN LIVING IN / Chapter 21 / 25

Chapter 21 - Elaine’s Letter

While clearing old safe deposit box, I found a letter Elaine wrote before she died.

To Brandon.

She had never given it.

Maybe intended me to.

It said:

You were chosen before you knew what choosing meant. Franklin loved you first through action because he was always terrible at saying things.

I laughed.

Then:

If he ever makes the mistake of rescuing you from every consequence, forgive him only after you stop letting him.

My wife knew us.

I asked therapist whether send.

“Yes, if not leverage.”

I mailed to prison.

Brandon responded months later.

Mom knew.

That was all.

Then another letter:

I wish you’d told me.

May you like

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I wrote:

Me too.

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