Chapter 5 - Walter's ConfessionWalter came to my house alone.
He stood on the porch for almost a minute before knocking.
I opened the door.
He looked exhausted.
“Can I come in?”
I stepped aside.
He entered.
Lucas and Paige were upstairs.
I poured him coffee.
He didn't drink it.
“I failed you.”
I said nothing.
“I knew about Lance.”
I stared at him.
“I knew he borrowed money.”
“How much?”
“Not all of it.”
I shook my head.
“I knew enough.”
He lowered his eyes.
“I also knew Mindy was manipulating Courtney.”
“And you did nothing.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I was afraid.”
That surprised me.
“Of what?”
“Losing my family.”
I laughed bitterly.
“You already did.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
Then he pulled out a folder.
“This belongs to you.”
I opened it.
Inside were years of handwritten letters.
My children.
Courtney.
My own notes.
Photographs.
And a letter from Walter.
He had written it six months earlier.
Brandon,
If you're reading this, I've finally found the courage to admit that I was wrong.
I read the entire letter.
Walter explained everything.
He had watched me provide for everyone.
He had watched his children take advantage of me.
And he had remained silent.
Because silence was easier.
At the end, he wrote:
You didn't fail this family. We failed you.
I folded the letter.
Walter looked at me.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
“Good.”
He nodded.
“But I want to make one thing right.”
“What?”
“Lucas and Paige are my grandchildren.”
May you like
I looked at him.
“And they will never sit at the back of my table again.”
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