Chapter 15 - LINDA’S LAST ATTEMPT
Linda waited almost a year before asking Emma to help Tyler again.
By then, Emma should have expected it.
Tyler had completed treatment requirements and was trying to rebuild employment.
Richard’s company would not take him back immediately.
That mattered.
For the first time, Richard refused to manufacture a soft landing.
Linda called Emma.
“Your brother needs references.”
“No.”
“You work with people all over Richmond.”
“No.”
“He needs one chance.”
Emma closed her eyes.
“There it is.”
“What?”
“The next chance.”
Linda became angry.
“He’s done everything they asked.”
“Then let that work speak for him.”
“You could help.”
“I could.”
“Then why won’t you?”
Emma answered calmly.
“Because helping Tyler cannot keep being the price of being your daughter.”
Silence.
Linda hung up.
Emma cried afterward.
Boundaries do not always feel empowering.
May you like
Sometimes they feel terrible.
They are still necessary.
