When Madison was released, she entered a transition program, took a job at a diner, attended therapy, and began sending small restitution payments without missing a single one. Regina did not visit at first. She needed time. Piper, however, asked questions.
“Is Aunt Maddie trying to be better,” Piper asked one evening.
“Yes,” Regina answered honestly. “She is trying.”
“Can I write to her,” Piper asked.
Regina considered this carefully, then agreed with gentle boundaries. Piper wrote a short letter and Regina read it before mailing it. It said simply that Piper hoped one day they could play board games again.
Months later Regina agreed to meet Madison at a public park. They sat on a bench under cottonwood trees while children played nearby. Madison spoke first.
“I am not asking you to trust me,” she said. “I am asking for a chance to earn trust slowly.”
Regina looked at her sister, seeing both the damage and the effort. “We will take this one step at a time,” Regina said. “No shortcuts.”