Chapter 14 - Arthur’s apology
Arthur’s first apology was a text through counsel.
I regret reacting physically when Gigi interfered with the party setup.
No.
Second:
I am sorry Clara perceived my action as threatening to Gigi.
Worse.
His lawyer probably hated him.
Then, six months after the party, Arthur entered individual therapy as part of plea discussions.
Whether sincere initially?
No idea.
The useful apology came later.
Handwritten.
Clara,
I slapped Gigi because she pulled the ribbon after I told her not to touch it.
There.
I did not slap her to prevent a glass object from falling.
There.
I was angry that she ignored me.
There.
“She” was two.
He continued:
I have told myself for years that being forceful is the reason people listen to me.
There.
Mom and Dad usually helped smooth things over afterward.
There.
I expected that to happen again.
There.
Then:
When you reacted, I focused on your kick because it let me think the family had two equally violent women to deal with instead of looking at what I did first.
Interesting.
Then:
I did not intend to seriously injure Gigi. I understand that does not make striking a two-year-old acceptable.
Good.
Finally:
I am not asking to see her.
That mattered.
I replied:
I received your letter. Thank you for describing your actions accurately.
Apparently accuracy had become the family threshold.
No forgiveness.
May you like
No contact.
Not yet.
