Chapter 23 - Tabitha Comes Home, But Not to BriarwoodTabitha was released after serving the custodial portion of her sentence and entered supervised release.
She did not return to Briarwood.
That had been settled long ago.
She rented a small apartment in Homewood.
One bedroom.
Modest kitchen.
No staff.
No family accounts.
For the first time in decades, Tabitha managed only her own life.
Thaddeus did not visit immediately.
Neither did Grayson.
Tabitha worked part-time for a nonprofit administrative office after appropriate approvals.
No fiduciary control.
No access to vulnerable clients’ money.
She answered phones.
Scheduled volunteers.
Filed forms.
Ordinary.
Her therapist asked how it felt.
She later told Thaddeus:
“Peaceful.”
He was surprised.
“So was I.”
They met at a coffee shop.
Public.
No lawyers.
First voluntary meeting in years.
Tabitha looked at him.
“You look older.”
“So do you.”
“Rude.”
“Family tradition.”
They smiled.
Then silence.
Finally Tabitha said:
“I drive past Magnolia Ridge sometimes.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“It’s being redeveloped.”
“I heard.”
New owner.
Smaller project.
Different name.
Tabitha nodded.
“I thought I’d hate that.”
“Do you?”
“No.”
She looked surprised by her own answer.
“It’s just land.”
Thaddeus smiled.
“That took several million dollars to learn.”
“Very rude.”
Then:
“How’s Grayson?”
“Good.”
“School?”
“Fine.”
“Still building airplanes?”
“Now rockets.”
Tabitha smiled.
“Can I send a birthday card?”
Thaddeus did not answer automatically.
“I’ll ask him.”
“Okay.”
That was the new structure.
No bypassing the child.
No entitlement through family title.
Then Tabitha said:
“I read Caroline’s letters again.”
Thaddeus looked up.
“I’m sorry I hated her.”
“She could be difficult.”
Tabitha laughed.
“Thank you.”
“She would appreciate accuracy.”
Then:
“I think she was the first person who loved this family without needing us to stay the same.”
Thaddeus considered.
“Yes.”
Tabitha looked down.
“I thought change meant people were leaving me.”
“And?”
“Sometimes they are.”
She smiled sadly.
“But sometimes they’re just changing.”
Progress.
Then she asked:
“Do you forgive me?”
Thaddeus knew the answer now.
“Some parts.”
Tabitha looked surprised.
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t wake up angry.”
“I don’t want you suffering.”
“I can sit here.”
He paused.
“I still don’t trust you with Grayson’s safety alone.”
Tabitha nodded.
“That’s fair.”
“I still won’t give you financial authority.”
“Please don’t.”
They both laughed.
Then:
“I forgive you enough to have coffee.”
Tabitha smiled through tears.
“That’s oddly specific.”
“Specific is useful.”
Yes.
No giant declaration.
No restored old relationship.
Something new.
Later Thaddeus asked Grayson about the birthday card.
“Do you want one?”
“Sure.”
“Want gifts?”
“No expensive stuff.”
“Why?”
“It’s weird.”
Good instinct.
Tabitha sent a card.
No money.
No guilt.
Happy birthday, Grayson. I hope eleven is good to you. You don’t owe me a reply. Love, Aunt Tabitha.
Grayson read it.
Put it in a drawer.
No answer.
Maybe later.
Maybe never.
May you like
His choice.
Tabitha survived that too.
