After release and years of treatment, Seraphine wrote Maisie one letter through therapists.

No request for response.

Maisie was ten.

She chose to read it.

Maisie,

I told you that you were dangerous when I was the adult creating danger.

Maisie stopped.

Then continued.

I used Clara, your home, your father's trust, and your fear because I wanted control over a future I thought I deserved.

No excuses.

You protected your baby sister while I was using both of you to tell a lie.

Maisie looked at Adrian.

“I did protect her.”

“Yes.”

“But I shouldn't have had to.”

Adrian’s eyes filled.

“No.”

Seraphine ended:

You owe me nothing.

Maisie folded the letter.

“Do I have to write back?”

“No.”

She placed it in a drawer.

No reply.

Not cruelty.

Boundary.

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