“This is contact.”
“You’re seventeen.”
“In six months I’m eighteen.”
“Then ask in six months.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Correct.”
“You’re scared.”
“Yes.”
The honesty surprised her.
Adrian continued.
“I am scared seeing her will hurt you.”
“Maybe.”
“I am scared she will manipulate you.”
“Maybe.”
“I am scared I will say yes because I want to be the father who lets you make choices and regret it forever.”
Emma’s expression softened.
“Dad.”
“No.”
He shook his head.
“Do not make this easy for me.”
She almost smiled.
“I want to ask her why.”
“You know why.”
“No.”
Emma looked toward the floor.
“I know the adult reasons.”
Fraud.
Fear.
Jealousy.
Evidence.
“I want to know why she looked at me and still did it.”
Adrian could not answer.
Eventually they arranged a meeting through Dr. Shah, who had remained an occasional family therapist.
Lauren had completed her sentence.
She worked now for a small nonprofit handling administrative tasks.
No finance.
No procurement.
No contact with Bennett Ridge.
She agreed immediately to every condition.
Public therapy office.
No gifts.
No physical contact unless Emma initiated.
Adrian present in the building but not the room.
Emma walked inside alone.
Lauren stood when she entered.
Five years had changed her.
Gray at the temples.
Thinner.
No expensive clothing.
No controlled elegance.
Just a woman.
“Hi, Emma.”
“Hi.”
Neither sat at first.
Then Dr. Shah gestured.
Emma looked directly at Lauren.
“Why?”
Lauren understood.
She did not ask which incident.
“I wanted the box.”
“I know.”
“I was afraid.”
“I know.”
Emma’s face tightened.
“Everyone was afraid.”
Lauren stopped.
Emma continued.
“Dad was afraid.”
“Yes.”
“Grandpa was afraid.”
“Yes.”
“Mom was probably afraid.”
“Yes.”
“Why did your fear mean I had to sit by the dog bowl?”
Lauren’s eyes filled.
“It didn’t.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“No.”
Lauren looked down.
“I wanted to feel powerful.”
Emma had not expected that.
Lauren continued.