Chapter 18 - “YOU LET ME THINK IT WAS YOU”The confrontation happened one year after.
Not immediately.
Elise needed.
Margot had completed months therapy, legal proceedings underway/resolved partially.
They met at Cedarwick garden.
Poppy not present.
Elise asked:
“Why did you freeze when she pointed?”
Margot:
“Because I knew why.”
“She believed I sent Theresa.”
“You did, indirectly.”
“Yes.”
“But you let me think maybe you tied her.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Nolan.”
Elise’s voice:
“You chose him.”
Margot cried.
“I was more afraid of losing my son than losing your trust.”
Exact.
Elise stared.
“Thank you.”
Margot surprised.
“For saying.”
Not forgiveness.
Margot:
“I spent life protecting Nolan because he was fragile.”
“I spent life expecting you to survive because you were strong.”
Elise:
“And Poppy?”
“She became instrument because I forgot child is not extension.”
Silence.
Elise:
“I don’t know if I forgive.”
“I know.”
“Poppy may not.”
“I know.”
“You don’t ask.”
“I won’t.”
Margot nodded.
Then Elise said:
“I love you.”
Margot broke.
“But love isn’t permission.”
“I know.”
That mirrored theme.
They did not hug immediately.
Eventually Elise offered hand.
Small.
Margot took.
May you like
Not restoration.
Beginning.
