Chapter 17 - REDWOOD CANCELS THE PLACEMENTRedwood Ridge formally withdrew Emily’s application.
The admissions director issued a letter acknowledging that enrollment materials misrepresented parental agreement.
The $12,500 deposit was returned to Emily’s trust.
Thomas showed Emily.
“You’re not going.”
She stared.
“Ever?”
“Not unless someday you choose a program for a real reason and qualified people agree you need it.”
“So Rachel can’t send me?”
“No.”
“Can you?”
Thomas thought carefully.
“I could make some decisions as your parent.”
Her face changed.
He continued.
“But I promise nobody is going to surprise you with a suitcase and say you’re leaving because you were bad.”
Emily exhaled.
That had been her deepest fear.
A car arriving.
No warning.
Redwood.
Thomas realized Rachel had used uncertainty as punishment.
She never needed to actually send Emily away.
The possibility controlled behavior.
Now it was gone.
Emily’s shoulders changed over the next weeks.
She started arguing more.
At first Thomas worried.
Then Dr. Markham smiled.
“That’s good.”
“What?”
“She feels safe enough to disagree.”
Thomas laughed.
He had never imagined being relieved when a ten-year-old said:
“That’s stupid.”
But he was.
May you like
A silent child had been the warning.
Not an obedient one.
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