TWENTY-ONE

Alderney State Penitentiary,

Dear Amethyst,

Yes, my father knew he was putting me into a hostile home, but that was part of his plan. My stepmother relegated me to the basement, which she’d sectioned off to create a windowless bedroom. It was an eight-by-eight-foot space with a fold-up bed and a desk.

The first month was agonizing. I wasn’t allowed games, toys, books, or anything to distract me from my grief. Eventually, my stepmother grew tired of being my jailer, so she delegated my care to the housekeeper, who allowed me to stay in her cottage with the girls. Whenever my father was due to return home, I was forced to return to the basement.

Most of the physical violence happened at school. My older brothers didn’t attack me directly, but they were very popular. Any student who wanted to earn their praise could do so by shoving me to the floor in front of them, ambushing me in hallways, or pouring food over my head in the lunchroom.

The brother who was the same age as me attacked directly. I always fought back, but he came with reinforcements. For years, I wondered why my father didn’t leave me in foster care, until I discovered he was purposefully erasing my empathy.

Did you research the accident online? DUIs that lead to children being injured often make the news. I’m glad you cut down on the alcohol and meds. Anything that gives you blackouts and destroys your ability to function can’t be beneficial.

Xero.

P.S. The molding kit arrived yesterday. Expect something silicone in the mail.