“They should hang the bastard!” Toni yelled. Gilbert Keller saw to it that Toni received all the articles written about her father.
And as time went by, with each new item, Toni’s rage seemed to be diminishing.
It was as though her emotions had been worn out. She went from hatred to anger and, finally, to a resigned acceptance.
There was a mention in the real estate section. “Dr. Steven Patterson and his new bride have moved into a home in Manhattan,”
“but they plan to purchase a second home in the Hamptons and will be spending their summers there with their daughter, Katrina.”
Toni started sobbing. “How could he do that to us?” “Do you feel that that little girl has taken your place, Toni?”
“I don’t know. I’m—I’m confused.” Another year went by. Ashley had therapy sessions three times a week.
Alette painted almost every day, but Toni refused to sing or play the piano.
At Christmas, Dr. Keller showed Toni a new clipping. There was a picture of her father and Victoria and Katrina.
The caption read: The Pattersons celebrate Christmas in the Hamptons.
Toni said wistfully, “We used to spend Christmases together. He always gave me wonderful gifts.”
She looked at Dr. Keller. “He wasn’t all bad. Aside from the—you know—he was a good father. I think he really loved me.”
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