“You tried to tell people I couldn’t make decisions.”
His face tightened.
“Yes.”
“That was the worst part.”
“I know.”
“No,” Rosie said. “You know now.”
Richard lowered his head.
I watched the water.
“Did you ever see us as your daughters?” I asked.
He looked at me.
“From the moment Evelyn placed each of you in my arms.”
“Then why wasn’t that enough?”
“Because fear changes shape if you feed it long enough. At first, I lied to keep Samuel away. Later, I lied to keep my company. Then I lied to keep you from knowing I had lied.”
He looked toward Rosie.
“I told myself control was protection.”
“It isn’t,” she said.
“No.”
She reached into her bag and removed a folded page.
“What is that?” he asked.
“A list.”
“Of what?”
“Things you have to do if you want me to visit you.”
