A Very Odd Conversation
“I just want to apologize for what I said to you and Ander in Nova Scotia.”
“Thank you, but it’s unnecessary. I healed my own heart and reassured his long ago.
In fact, if a time ever comes when you and the person you love are crumbling under overwhelming, unexpected change, I sincerely hope no one offers your beloved the same vicious vitriol you once spat about me as misguided ‘counsel.’
Furthermore, if you ever have the chance to become a parent, it is indeed my earnest hope that the abiding love and commitment you have for the child you envision such a beautiful life for is never questioned so despicably that someone prays for that child’s death—as you did.
I did not come here hoping or needing apologies from a paper doll. I’m here because Ander asked me to be come, and making him happy is easy for me. I will never interfere with his friendship or love for you. Refusing his invitation would only make him suspect something is amiss, and he’s a perceptive person.
Enjoy the gift of knowing such a fine human being, and rest assured I’ve never lost a minutes sleep over your malice. I look forward to seeing you as little as possible in this life, and never again in any other.”
“It’s astonishing you speak so freely of having healed, yet demonstrate none of the understanding or forgiveness that true healing demands. Let’s be clear: I apologized because I care about Ander and thought it might ease the tension he clearly senses. But your response shows you hold on to resentment above all else.
It’s ironic you claim to put Ander’s happiness first, yet you dig your heels into anger and call me a ‘paper doll,’ as though that somehow proves your moral or emotional superiority. If anyone here is lacking enlightenment, it’s the person who can’t release the past for Ander’s sake.
You accuse me of vile intentions, but have you considered how your bitterness might hurt him? If you truly cared, you’d set aside this grudge instead of rehashing it under the guise of righteous indignation.
I’m not here to beg for your forgiveness—I offered my apology out of respect for Ander and my own sense of decency. If you can’t see that, then perhaps your talk of being healed is just that—talk. One day, I hope you learn to embrace actual compassion, instead of pretending to while still throwing accusations at those who are trying to make amends.”
“Okay. I’ll amend my words.
Thank you for apologizing. I know our history isn’t easily erased, and I can’t pretend what was said didn’t hurt. For Ander, I’m willing to put the past behind us. I won’t forget the harm, but I won’t let it define how we move forward. Ander cares about both of us, and I respect his feelings enough to do my part in keeping things civil.”
“That hardly seems authentic, such a swift and severe turnaround.”
“I suppose you’ll just have to decide if you believe me.”
