Chapter 7 - JENNA’S APOLOGY CAME WITH NO REQUEST
Almost a year after Oliver’s birthday, Jenna sent me a letter.
Not a text.
Paper.
My first instinct was to throw it away.
Then I opened it.
Nate,
I have started this twelve times. Every version turned into an explanation. My therapist told me explanations are not the same thing as accountability.
Promising.
She continued.
I brought Lily’s cake because I genuinely believed Oliver should share his party. I did not ask you. I did not ask him. I believed wanting something for Lily was enough reason to take space from Oliver.
My throat tightened.
When you left, I thought you were punishing me. I did not understand that Oliver was hurt until much later.
Then:
I used your signature.
No passive voice.
Good.
Rick knew about the lease, but the first time I copied your signature was my choice. I told myself you were already helping financially and would never let us lose housing. I converted your past generosity into permission you never gave me.
That line stopped me.
Exactly.
Then:
I used information Mom gave me. She should not have shared it, but I chose what to do with it.
No blaming Mom.
Better.
I am repaying what I can. I understand that does not require you to restore contact.
No request.
No Lily as leverage.
No “please save us.”
At the end:
I am sorry to Oliver too. I will not contact him unless you decide it is appropriate.
I read it twice.
Then put it in a drawer.
I did not respond for two months.
When I finally did, I wrote:
I received your letter. I appreciate that you took responsibility. I’m not ready for more contact yet.
She replied:
Understood.
Two words.
No explosion.
May you like
That was the first time I believed change might be possible.
---
