Chapter 10 - Robert’s Confession
Robert apologized again.
Then he told us why he had come.
Diane had not been herself since Carol’s death.
She had spent years avoiding illness, hospitals, scars, anything reminding her that people could become physically vulnerable.
“She thought avoiding it made her strong,” Robert said.
Arthur shook his head.
“Fear can make people cruel.”
Robert nodded.
“She knows.”
He explained that Diane had begun therapy.
Arthur didn’t react dramatically.
He simply said, “Good.”
Robert looked surprised.
“That’s it?”
“What else should I say?”
“I thought you might want an apology.”
“I already got one.”
Robert glanced at Boone.
“Diane wants to make things right.”
Arthur leaned back.
“She can’t undo the restaurant.”
“I know.”
“And I’m not going to become part of some public redemption performance.”
“I know.”
Arthur studied him.
“Then what does she want?”
Robert handed him a card.
It was from a local service-dog organization.
Diane had made a donation in Carol’s name.
No publicity.
No social-media post.
No request that Arthur forgive her.
Arthur stared at the card.
“That,” he said quietly, “is a better apology.”
But the biggest surprise came two days later.
The restaurant called again.
Someone had paid for the next twelve dinners of Arthur’s small recovery group.
Anonymous.
Arthur suspected Diane.
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Paul refused to confirm it.
And for once, Arthur didn’t ask.
