andered into the small s

s were spread out

her brow furrowed

ing to the bold print at the top: "P

tark contrast to the

for the daughter I was losing

in different houses, sweetie," I

lit up. I

ou and Mom gett

in her voice

do it, Dad

s of her feet, her eyes

This was worse than

asked, my voice carefully neutral,

hesitate fo

nd Dr. Vance can be my new

lly delivered, were

it; she was championing

ed out of the study, seemi

nutes later,

e signed petiti

hool paper!" she announced,

uld react,

Katherine was on the phone, finali

his, quick! It

bably just scrawled her na

to dissolve our family, to ins

ght was

r, ostensibly to discuss "logistics"

, the remnants of my breakfa

usual concern

a bit down. Ever

th, solicitous. Th

ance," I replie

, his demeanor shifting to

cargo manifests. Everything seems

equi

ing himself, making h

're a lifesaver. I don't know what I

ring nearby, ran to Van

e we going to

uffling her hair. "Your mom and I h

, Vance, and Lily, a little

mach c

thoughtful one

k up a few last-minute things for Thule. Why don

nd performance. He wanted me to witness

to tell him exactl

led over me. Let them play their ga

voice devoid of inf

Vance discussed cold-weather gear, and L

my own future,

front of a large

- FIGHT - WIN.

streaked across a

's dream.

as finally

elt a surge of pride, of purpose.

ice cut throug

hat are you

o the poster, a frown

said, her tone dismissive.

home dad, the support system. No

tinued, her voice softening slightl

ng things. I'll send for you

nes. The same o

himed in, her voice

ot, Dad? Th

ooking to Vanc

ok. Dr. Vance is a doctor; he

defend me. Nothing to corr

a subtle, knowing

e. I didn't d

the poster, at th

o idea what I had a

. Let them und

would be all

imes they had disregar

ays, the annivers

the constant under

ly too, molded by her mother's atti

er settled

see. They w

glorified housekeeper was

eft grounded, wonde