Chapter 5 - The Door Three days later, Eleanor stood on Stallone's porch.
She carried no gift.
No flowers.
No expensive toy.
Just a purse and an expression he had never seen on her before.
Uncertainty.
“Is she here?” Eleanor asked.
“Yes.”
“Can I see her?”
Stallone studied her.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“Are you coming to apologize or explain?”
Eleanor looked away.
Her instinct was to become angry.
To defend herself.
To remind him of everything she had done for the family.
But she stopped.
“To apologize.”
He stepped aside.
Olivia was sitting on the floor with crayons scattered around her.
The moment she saw Eleanor, she froze.
Eleanor slowly lowered herself onto the floor.
“Hi, Olivia.”
No answer.
“I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
Eleanor swallowed.
“For letting someone hurt you.”
Olivia looked directly into her eyes.
“Did you tell him to?”
Eleanor closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
The room became completely still.
“Why?”
“I thought I was teaching you to be strong.”
“Did you know I was scared?”
“Yes.”
“Then why?”
Eleanor stared at the floor.
“I don't have a good answer.”
Olivia studied her.
Then, slowly, she pushed a blue crayon across the floor.
“Can you color?”
Eleanor looked surprised.
“Yes.”
“What color?”
“Blue.”
“Why?”
“It was my favorite when I was little.”
Olivia smiled faintly.
“Mine too.”
It wasn't forgiveness.
Not yet.
But it was a door.
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And Eleanor had finally learned she couldn't force it open.
She had to wait until someone invited her inside.
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