Richard cleared his throat from his place in the doorway. Meredith turned around, pausing in tying her shoe.
"Oh great," Meredith sighed. "Is this another heart to heart?"
"I know you don't like me, and you have every right not to like me. I have abused my power, but now I'm here on your turf. What I need to say... what I need to say is... I saw what your mother was doing. I saw how neglected you were, I saw her drive your father off. And, I spent a lot of time beating myself up about that. But, what does that do for you? Nothing. Nothing! I wasn't your advocate. I didn't fight for you. I never stood up for you. I left myself off the hook. I told myself I was young, and didn't know any better. But, I did know better. I wasn't much younger than you are now. I should have fought for you Meredith. Like you fought for that child today. I told myself that I wasn't your father, that it wasn't my responsibility, that I was right not to butt in. I let myself off the hook."
Richard sat down beside Meredith, who was crying softly.
"You were helpless. You were a baby. A beautiful, smart, funny little girl, and no one stood up for you. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."
Meredith leaned her head on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," he repeated.