Chapter 15 - Vanessa Returns
Eighteen months after everything began, Vanessa appeared outside the clinic's opening ceremony.
She had served her sentence and was rebuilding her life.
I almost didn't recognize her.
No designer coat.
No expensive jewelry.
No silver ring.
She asked to speak privately.
Lily objected.
I agreed.
Vanessa and I sat on a bench.
For a long time, she said nothing.
Then she apologized.
Not beautifully.
Not perfectly.
But specifically.
She apologized for impersonating me.
For stealing against my home.
For insulting me when I needed medical help.
For manipulating Marcus.
For trying to portray me as incompetent.
I listened.
Then she asked whether I forgave her.
“I don't know.”
She looked surprised.
“I thought you'd say no.”
“Forgiveness isn't a switch.”
She nodded.
“I understand.”
“But I don't hate you.”
That seemed to hurt her more.
She began crying.
Before leaving, Vanessa donated twenty dollars to the clinic.
May you like
It was probably the smallest donation we received that day.
For some reason, I remembered it most.
