Chapter 23: Valerie at My Door
Valerie came to the house after the hearing but stayed at the sidewalk when she saw me outside.
Her attorney had advised her not to discuss the pending property case with me.
She said she would respect that advice.
Then she asked whether Hannah was all right.
I answered that Hannah was rebuilding her routines.
Valerie looked toward the kitchen window, where workers were installing the new frame.
“I didn’t understand what a leak would do to your life,” she said.
I told her the damage had never been only about water.
“It happened in the place where my daughter still feels close to her mother.”
Valerie’s eyes filled.
“I know you’ve lost someone,” she said.
“No,” I answered.
“You knew my wife died, but you did not understand what this house meant.”
She accepted the correction.
I appreciated that she didn’t try to defend herself again.
She told me she was arranging to make financial restitution as her legal situation allowed.
I said those arrangements needed to go through the proper channels.
Then she asked whether she could leave a letter for Hannah.
I said no.
Hannah had spent weeks being frightened by events she did not create.
She did not owe Valerie the task of soothing her remorse.
Valerie looked hurt, but she nodded.
“I understand.”
For the first time, I believed she might.
