The third letter came months later, after Margaret moved to her own apartment and began meeting regularly with a counselor.

It was short.

She acknowledged reporting the necklace missing when she had authorized its removal for appraisal, making accusations without evidence, and harming Clara’s reputation.

She did not demand a reply.

She wrote that she would accept whatever distance Clara needed.

Clara read the letter twice.

She placed it beside Idan’s first drawing and considered what had changed.

The words did not restore the lost income or take away the humiliating photographs from the internet.