The Man Frank Used to Be
Chapter 08 - The Man Frank Used to Be
Emily eventually asked Laura for the whole story.
Laura told her.
Frank had never hit Laura.
But he shouted.
Broke furniture.
Drove after drinking.
Spent rent money at bars.
Once, during an argument, he blocked the doorway and would not let Laura leave.
That night changed everything.
Emily confronted Frank.
“Did you do that?”
“Yes.”
“You trapped her?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Frank shook his head.
“There isn't a reason that makes it acceptable.”
Emily's eyes filled with tears.
“I wanted you to be innocent.”
Frank's heart broke.
“I wasn't.”
She stood to leave.
He did not stop her.
Before she reached the door, Frank said, “Your mother had every right to leave me.”
Emily turned.
“But not to lie about me?”
“No.”
Frank swallowed.
“She had the right to protect you. She didn't have the right to erase me forever.”
Emily nodded slowly.
Two truths.
At the same time.
Her father had been frightening.
Her mother had lied.
Her grandmother had manipulated them both.
No one was completely innocent.
No one was completely a monster.
May you like
That was harder than choosing one villain.
But it was real.
