Chapter 34 - the apology julian never sent
Julian wrote Leo a letter.
He didn't send it.
He showed it to me.
It was twelve pages.
I read only the first paragraph.
Then I stopped.
“You don't need twelve pages.”
“I have a lot to say.”
“Then say it in person.”
He looked nervous.
“What if he doesn't want to hear it?”
“Then respect that.”
He folded the letter.
Weeks later, he asked Leo.
“Can I tell you something?”
Leo nodded.
Julian apologized.
Not for the affair alone.
For making Leo feel responsible for exposing it.
For lying.
For forcing his son to become the adult in a room full of adults.
Leo listened.
Then he said:
“I forgive you for lying to me.”
Julian's eyes filled.
“But I don't forgive everything yet.”
Julian nodded.
“That's okay.”
Leo looked at him.
“Can I still love you?”
Julian broke.
“Yes.”
Leo hugged him.
It wasn't a perfect reconciliation.
It was better.
May you like
It was honest.
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