Chapter 18 - Aurelia's LetterAurelia eventually wrote a letter.
Not directly to Sorrel.
Through her attorney.
At fifteen, Sorrel asked to read it.
I gave it to Helena first.
Then to Sorrel.
The letter began:
I thought structure would help you.
Sorrel rolled her eyes.
Then came the line that mattered.
I used the word structure when I meant control.
Another:
I made you serve people because it made me feel that the house belonged to me.
Then:
The chain was not safety equipment. I knew that.
Sorrel read that sentence twice.
Aurelia also admitted that I had never authorized the chain.
Then came:
Your father failed to see what was happening. That is different from choosing it.
Sorrel put the letter down.
“She keeps saying she loved you.”
“People can say they love someone.”
“Does that make it true?”
“I don't know.”
“What good is love?”
“Love isn't proof of good behavior.”
She thought about that.
At eighteen, she sent Aurelia one message through counsel:
I believe you knew it was wrong.
Aurelia answered:
Yes.
May you like
Nothing else.
Sorrel never asked for more.
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