Two years after the attack, Valerie asked through counsel whether she could write.

Not directly to Leo.

To Dad.

To me.

Separate letters.

I said yes to mine after discussing it with my therapist.

Her letter began:

Evan,

You stopped me from hurting Leo.

No passive voice.

Good.

Then:

I hit you with a bat while you were holding him.

Good.

Then:

Before that night, I told professionals things about you that were exaggerated or misleading.

There.

“I wanted them to believe I was the person in the house who understood the situation best.”

She admitted canceling appointments.

Admitted resentment.

Admitted disability prejudice.

Then:

“You did not cause my resentment.”

That mattered.

At the end:

“You do not owe me a response.”

I did not reply.

Not then.

I kept the letter for six months.

Then shredded it.

No ceremony.

Accountability received.

Relationship not restored.