Chapter 12 - MADELINE’S APOLOGY TO HER CHILDRENThe first apology was rejected by the therapist.
Too many explanations.
The second was better.
Lily and Ben, I hid you from Ethan because I was afraid telling him would ruin a plan I believed could secure your future.
Accurate.
That was wrong.
Good.
You were not a problem to solve or a secret I was entitled to keep for strategic reasons.
Better.
I made you feel as though you had to wait for me to choose you publicly.
Hard.
Then:
You never needed to earn a place beside me by staying quiet.
Lily cried.
Ben did not fully understand.
Fine.
Children do not have to process adult accountability on schedule.
Madeline remained their mother.
Family court evaluated care.
There had been no pattern of physical abuse.
The concealment and abandonment concerns were serious.
Temporary supervision continued.
Then gradually eased as she demonstrated stability.
No instant removal.
May you like
No instant absolution.
Process.
