Chapter 9 - Richard Bennett Hits Bottom
Dad eventually took a job consulting for a small insurance firm.
I heard through Mom.
He lived in a one-bedroom apartment.
Sold his watches.
Sold his second car.
Stopped attending the country club.
For the first time in forty years, Richard Bennett had no audience to impress.
Then he had a heart attack.
Not fatal.
But serious.
Mom called me from the hospital.
I went.
Dad looked small beneath the blankets.
He opened his eyes.
“You came.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
I pulled up a chair.
“Because boundaries aren't revenge.”
He looked away.
“I was terrible to her.”
I knew who he meant.
“Clara.”
“Yes.”
He swallowed.
“I've been rehearsing an apology.”
“Don't rehearse.”
He looked at me.
“Mean it.”
Dad nodded.
That afternoon, Clara visited.
Dad cried before he finished his first sentence.
Clara didn't immediately forgive him.
She didn't need to.
But she listened.
May you like
And sometimes listening is where reconciliation begins.
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