Chapter 7 - RICHARD'S VERSION
Richard wanted Iris to see him as less guilty than Laura.
He had never struck her with the cane.
True.
He had told Laura to stop hitting eventually.
True.
He had also said:
“Iris, just do what your mother says.”
True.
He argued that he was trying to prevent escalation.
Iris asked:
“By making me comply?”
Richard said:
“Yes.”
“Then you were managing me, not stopping her.”
He looked away.
Then he explained the business debt.
Ten years earlier, his renovation company was healthy.
Then two projects failed.
Interest rates rose.
A partner left.
Richard borrowed to keep employees paid.
At first the debt was rational.
Then personal pride took over.
He refused to close.
Refused bankruptcy.
Refused to admit the business was shrinking.
The blocked account became a psychological rescue.
Not available today.
Available someday.
Every bad year could be survived because Iris would turn eighteen eventually.
He began making decisions around that future.
Then Laura joined in.
Then Wade.
The family built an economy around an eighteen-year-old’s anticipated obedience.
Richard said:
“I always thought we’d ask you.”
Iris stared.
“You prepared wire forms.”
“Because we needed a plan.”
“You prepared them before asking.”
He had no answer.
Then Grace produced an email from Richard to Thomas Vale.
One month before Iris’s birthday:
She is a good kid. She will not let her family lose the house.
Iris read it.
Not:
I hope.
Not:
I’ll ask.
She will not.
Richard had treated her character as collateral.
Then another line:
Her mother can make her understand the stakes.
Iris looked at him.
“You knew Mom would pressure me.”
Richard’s face collapsed.
“I didn’t know she’d hit you.”
“No.”
May you like
Iris nodded.
“You just knew she’d make me understand.”
