Chapter 11 - Diane’s explanation
The first time Diane gave a full explanation was in a recorded interview with detectives, counsel present.
I did not attend.
My attorney later summarized permitted portions.
Diane said:
Lily’s behavior changed after Claire died.
True.
She cried more.
Clung to me.
Resisted transitions.
Diane believed I responded to every cry immediately.
Sometimes true.
She believed that was making Lily:
“fragile.”
Opinion.
She tried ordinary timeouts?
Possibly.
Lily was too young for the structured concept Diane imagined, but she did not see that.
Then one afternoon, Lily wandered into the old kennel while following a ball.
Diane closed the door briefly.
Lily cried.
Then quieted.
Diane interpreted quiet as effectiveness.
That became reinforcement.
Second time, she placed Lily inside deliberately.
Then again.
Why film?
“At first to show Daniel she calmed down.”
Did she show me?
No.
Why?
“I knew he would overreact.”
There.
If you hide the method because the parent would forbid it, you already understand something about authority.
Why strike the bars?
“To interrupt screaming.”
Why use the backpack strap and later chain?
“To stop her running.”
Why the neck?
Diane said:
“I did not intend it to tighten around her neck.”
The source showed a loop and yanking.
The state would contest characterization.
Did she believe Lily was a dog?
“No.”
Why say:
“You deserve to be in here”?
“I was angry.”
There.
No sophisticated philosophy.
Escalating coercion justified after each previous incident did not produce catastrophe.
That is how dangerous practices grow.
Not always through intent to injure.
Through repeated survival.
Nothing terrible happened last time.
May you like
Therefore next time can be stronger.
Until it is.
