When Yes Doesn't Mean Yes (cont.)
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Even if the two walked off into the sunset together, there can be no happily ever after to this sad tale. Mr. Fualaau, now 21, says he wants to be with Ms. Letourneau, and this month a judge lifted an order banning contact. The court has recognized that as an adult, he has a right to see her, but it's important to remember that the decision to do so was never his. Ms. Letourneau took away Mr. Fualaau's ability to choose for himself many years ago.
Robin D. Stone, a journalist, is the author of "No Secrets, No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal From Sexual Abuse.''
© Robin D. Stone, The New York Times. 2004.