Chapter 10
Evelina requested to apologize to Orla after eight months.
Orla said no.
I told Evelina.
She replied:
Understood.
Another year passed.
Orla was nearly five when she saw a photograph.
“That Evelina?”
“Yes.”
“She auction me.”
“Yes.”
Then:
“She sorry?”
“Yes.”
“How know?”
“She told me.”
Orla thought.
“Can tell me.”
So we arranged it.
Neutral garden.
Daylight.
No gifts.
Evelina crouched.
“I lied about the vase.”
Orla nodded.
“You broke.”
“Yes.”
Good.
Children appreciate accuracy.
“I made people laugh at you because I was scared you would tell the truth.”
Orla frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I had hidden something about myself and I was afraid your daddy would stop loving me.”
Orla looked toward me.
Then back.
“Daddy loves lots.”
I looked away so neither saw my face.
Evelina smiled through tears.
“Yes.”
Then:
“I also used the word servant like it was something bad. That was wrong.”
Orla said:
“Margaret bossy.”
From the bench Margaret called:
“I heard that.”
Orla grinned.
Tension broke.
Evelina asked:
“Can I hug you?”
Orla thought.
“No.”
“Okay.”
Perfect.
No punishment.
May you like
No reward.
Choice.
