Chapter 18 - The Meeting
Lily was fifteen when she asked to meet Victoria.
I wanted to say no.
Instead, I said:
“Why?”
“I want to see who she is now.”
Not who she was.
Now.
We arranged the meeting in a public garden.
Therapist nearby.
Security farther away.
Victoria arrived early.
She looked older.
Simpler.
No expensive gown.
No cold smile.
When Lily approached, Victoria stood.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
Silence.
Then Victoria said:
“I’m sorry.”
Lily nodded.
“I read your letter.”
Victoria’s eyes filled.
“I don’t expect anything from you.”
“Good.”
Victoria almost smiled.
Lily continued.
“I forgive you.”
Victoria broke down.
Then Lily added:
“But I don’t trust you.”
Victoria wiped her face.
“That’s fair.”
They did not hug.
They spoke for twenty minutes.
Then Lily stood.
“Bye, Victoria.”
Not Aunt Victoria.
Not family.
Not enemy.
May you like
Just Victoria.
And that was enough.
