Chapter 7 - What Tyler Did NextTyler didn't go home.
He went to the lake.
He stood on the same pier where he had pushed Eleanor.
For the first time, he looked at the water without laughing.
He remembered her face.
The panic.
The desperation.
Her hands slipping against the wood.
He suddenly understood something terrifying.
She could have died.
He sat on the pier and cried.
His mother found him there.
“You need to apologize.”
“I know.”
“Then do it.”
“I don't think she'll forgive me.”
“She doesn't have to.”
Tyler looked at her.
“What do I do?”
“Become someone who deserves forgiveness.”
The next morning, Tyler went to Eleanor's house.
He didn't bring flowers.
He didn't bring excuses.
He simply stood on the porch.
When Eleanor opened the door, he lowered his head.
“I'm sorry.”
She said nothing.
“I hurt you because I wanted people to laugh.”
He swallowed.
“I thought being cruel made me funny.”
Eleanor watched him.
“I could have killed you.”
“I know.”
“I could have drowned.”
“I know.”
“Do you understand why I will never forget that?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“Good.”
Tyler wiped his eyes.
“I don't expect you to forgive me.”
Eleanor stepped aside.
“Come in.”
He looked surprised.
She added,
“But don't mistake coming inside for everything being forgiven.”
May you like
He nodded.
“I won't.”
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