Chapter 21 - Dorothia’s Apology
Dorothia wrote after completing probation.
A real apology this time.
No “if.”
No “but.”
Eloin,
I told you that wives eat last because that was what my mother in law told me when I married. I hated it. Then years later I repeated it because having power felt better than remembering what powerlessness felt like.
I stopped.
That was the first thing she had ever said that made me understand her without excusing her.
She continued:
Thatcher told me you intended to separate him from us. I wanted to believe him because I was afraid. I helped him use your property because I convinced myself marriage made your success available to the family. I knew the notary document was false. There is no justification for that.
Then:
When you pushed the platter across my table, I thought you were proving you had no respect. I understand now that I had already refused to give you any.
No request.
No forgiveness.
No family reunion.
She ended:
I will not contact you again unless you choose.
I kept the letter.
Did not answer.
Months later, I heard from Collapy that Dorothia had started working two mornings a week at a charity shop.
Not redemption theater.
Something to do.
She lived quietly.
I did not need to know more.
Collapy rebuilt more slowly.
Her event venue never reopened.
She worked for another event company.
No ownership.
She completed restitution.
We did not become sisters.
One Christmas she emailed:
I’m sorry I laughed at that table.
I replied:
Thank you for saying it.
May you like
Nothing else.
That was enough.
