I was surprised to hear from him after all this time. I didn't know what to say, so I just stayed quiet.
"I know I messed up," he continued, "and I don't expect you to forgive me. But I just wanted you to know that I'm getting help. I'm going to therapy, and I'm trying to change."
I was relieved to hear that he was getting help, but I still didn't know if I could forgive him. The scars from the abuse were still fresh, and I didn't know if I could trust him again.
"I appreciate that you're getting help, Damian," I said, my voice shaking. "But I need time to think about things. I don't know if I can forgive you right now."
"I understand," he said, his voice low. "I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry, and that I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."
We hung up the phone, and
