Chapter 22 - GRANT’S LETTER FROM PRISON
Grant wrote Julian after eight months.
Julian almost did not open.
Nora said:
“Your choice.”
He read.
I have spent my life thinking result justified method. Your mother believed truth justified disruption. Perhaps we were both addicted to certainty. I still do not believe I wanted her harmed. I do believe I created conditions where Silas thought harming her was acceptable. That is a sentence I avoided for eighteen years.
Julian paused.
Then:
I lied to you about her leaving because I could not bear for you to choose her memory over me. Ironically, that is exactly what I caused.
Grant apologized.
No request forgiveness.
Julian eventually visited.
Prison visitation plain.
Grant looked smaller.
They spoke.
Julian:
“I don’t forgive.”
Grant:
“I know.”
“I may someday.”
“I don’t deserve timeline.”
Good.
They discussed Helena.
No business.
Julian asked:
“Did you love Marian?”
Grant:
“Yes.”
“Different.”
“Did Mom know pregnancy?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know if mine? her child yours?”
Grant’s face broke.
“I believe.”
“She had not told.”
“Doctor told after.”
“I ordered records sealed because I couldn’t handle.”
Julian looked.
“Another child.”
“Yes.”
Grief.
Grant cried first time.
Julian did not comfort physically.
But stayed.
May you like
That was enough.
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