Chapter 7
Brent’s testimony exposed the gambling scheme.
Several people were arrested, including the man who had been threatening Carly over money.
For the first time, I understood that Carly had been afraid too.
That did not excuse her.
But it explained the desperation behind her choices.
I thought about her often.
Not with hatred.
With grief.
She had taken pain and handed it to everyone near her instead of asking for help.
I wrote her one letter.
I did not send it until her lawyer confirmed she wanted contact.
It said:
I hope you accept responsibility. I hope you become honest. I hope you learn that fear does not give you permission to hurt people.
She never replied.
That was all right.
The letter was not for forgiveness.
It was for closure.
Andy met someone six months later.
Her name was Lila.
He told me about her nervously, as though happiness needed permission.
“She’s kind,” he said.
I smiled.
“That is a good beginning.”
Lila did not rush him.
She did not demand access to his money or his phone.
She laughed easily. She asked questions. She treated him like his feelings mattered.
Watching him relax around her made my chest ache.
That was what love was supposed to look like.
Not fear.
Not control.
May you like
Not survival.
Peace.
