I’m open to developing a new relationship, I said finally, but it would need to be just that, new, built on who I actually am, not who you thought I was or wished I would be. That seems fair, Dad conceded, his typical confidence notably subdued, and it would require acknowledgement that what happened wasn’t just a misunderstanding or an unfortunate circumstance, it was favoritism that caused real harm. This requirement clearly made them uncomfortable, but after exchanging glances, they nodded.
We did favor Lily, Mom admitted quietly. We saw her as the safer investment because she fit our expectations of success. We were wrong, and our mistake hurt you deeply…
I’m truly sorry, Emma. The genuine accountability, while imperfect, was more than I had expected. It opened a door to possible reconciliation, though the path forward would be neither quick nor easy.