Chapter 18 - AURELIA’S LETTER
Aurelia wrote from prison.
Not to Sorrel directly.
Through counsel.
For future delivery if parent and therapist approve.
Good.
I stored it.
At fifteen, Sorrel asked.
I gave it to Helena first.
Then Sorrel.
The letter began badly.
I thought structure would help you.
Sorrel rolled her eyes.
Then it improved.
I used the word structure when I meant control.
Good.
I made you serve people because it made me feel that the house belonged to me.
There.
I restricted your calls because every time you asked for your father, I felt temporary.
More.
I used your trust because I learned I could turn ordinary care into invoices.
Brutal.
Then:
The chain was not safety equipment. I knew that.
Important.
Then:
Your father did not authorize it.
Sorrel read that twice.
Then:
He failed to see what was happening. That is different from choosing it.
Accurate.
Then one line Sorrel hated:
I loved Hadrian.
She threw the letter onto the sofa.
“Everyone says love.”
“Yes.”
“What good is it?”
“Love is not proof of good behavior.”
“That’s depressing.”
“Useful.”
She took the letter back.
Did not respond.
At eighteen she sent:
I believe you knew it was wrong.
Aurelia replied:
Yes.
May you like
No more.
That was enough.
