She had written several times over the months — first with anger and blame, then with excuses. I was only trying to help.

I’m old-fashioned. Never once the words what I did was wrong — until a week before the festival, a short note at my law firm. Damon, I saw the videos.

Hearing my own voice made me sick.

I don’t know when I became that person.

If Aurora and Elodie are ever willing to hear me say I’m sorry, I’ll say it with no excuses. I didn’t answer it.

Not to punish her forever — but because forgiveness cannot be a ticket back into the lives of the people you damaged, handed over on demand.