Chapter 16 - Michael Comes Home
After sentence, Michael entered supervised release.
He did not return to Carter Holdings.
Board barred.
He found work eventually with small logistics firm.
Far less status.
At first embarrassed.
Then competent.
People do not lose all skills when title goes.
He paid restitution monthly.
No shortcuts.
Lived modestly.
He asked to meet Anna.
She said no.
A year later, yes.
At Willow House.
I was not there.
They later told pieces.
Michael stood on porch Luke built.
Cried.
He said:
“I’m sorry I took this.”
Anna:
“You tried to make me prove I deserved something Dad already gave.”
“Yes.”
“You threatened me.”
“Yes.”
“You lied to Mom.”
“Yes.”
“You used Luke’s death like evidence I was unstable.”
Michael cried.
“Yes.”
Then:
“Why?”
He answered:
“Because I thought if you got this, Dad loved you more.”
There.
Childhood scoreboard.
Anna said:
“He loved us badly sometimes.”
Michael laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
No hug.
May you like
Meeting ended.
But door opened.
