Chapter 17 - RENEE STOPPED CALLING HERSELF THE OTHER WOMANRenee asked me to meet her for coffee.
She arrived carrying no documents, no envelopes, and no requests.
“I’m moving,” she said.
“Where?”
“Two towns over. Sophie’s school has a better science program there.”
“That sounds good.”
“I also started counseling.”
I nodded.
Renee wrapped both hands around her cup.
“The counselor asked me why I keep calling myself ‘the other woman.’”
I said nothing.
“She said it lets me describe my role without naming my choices.”
That was uncomfortable enough to be honest.
“What do you call yourself now?” I asked.
“Renee.”
I almost laughed, but she was serious.
“I did something cruel,” she continued. “I helped a married man deceive his wife. But if I make that the only name I deserve, then I can spend the rest of my life hating myself instead of changing.”
Outside, pedestrians moved past the window.
For a long time, I had wanted Renee to carry a permanent mark. Some visible proof that she had helped fracture my life.
But punishment can become another way of keeping people tied to the worst thing they have done.
“I don’t trust you,” I said.
“I know.”
“I may never consider you a friend.”
“I know that too.”
“But I believe you can become better than the woman who sat in that hospital.”
Her eyes filled.
“Thank you.”
“That is not forgiveness.”
“I didn’t hear it as forgiveness.”
That was why I believed her.
Before leaving, Renee placed an envelope on the table.
My body tensed automatically.
She noticed.
“It’s only a receipt.”
The gold bracelet had sold for less than Daniel paid. Renee had sent the entire amount to the estate as partial repayment for the funds he transferred to her.
“You were not legally required to return this,” I said.
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Because legal responsibility was the smallest part of what I owed.”
I took the receipt.
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For the first time, an envelope connected to Daniel contained no new betrayal.
Only evidence that someone had chosen not to remain the person he helped them become.
