Chapter 12 - MY SLAP BECOMES A CASE
The state charged me with misdemeanor assault.
Predictable.
Video.
No immediate threat after I handed Sophie to Laura.
Celeste was retreating.
I pursued.
Hit.
My lawyer, Erica Sloan, asked:
“Do you want trial?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I hit her.”
“Provocation is significant.”
“Still hit her.”
The prosecutor offered diversion.
Anger-management.
Restitution for Celeste’s bruising and medical evaluation.
No unlawful contact.
No interference with her criminal case.
Completion could result in dismissal.
I accepted.
My father called it humiliating.
“You protected your daughter.”
“I caught Sophie. That was protection.”
“You struck Celeste because—”
“Because I wanted to.”
He looked at me.
“That is not how family handles betrayal.”
“Exactly.”
He did not understand my answer.
My therapist did.
Dr. Aaron Bell asked:
“What did the slap teach Sophie?”
“That I would defend her.”
“Did catching her already teach that?”
I hated him immediately.
“Yes.”
“So the slap added?”
“Fear.”
“For whom?”
“Celeste.”
“And Sophie?”
I looked away.
“She cried.”
He waited.
I said:
“Fine.”
“Fine what?”
“I understand.”
“Good. See you next week.”
May you like
Terrible man.
Useful.
