With Summer and Dawn helping, I finally slept for six hours.
When I woke, I made a list—not of everything Brandon had done wrong, but of everything that would need to change.
I called my doctor, contacted a counselor, saved the financial records, and spoke with someone about a temporary separation and protecting our shared money.
I also wrote down my conditions: counseling, a real parenting schedule, repayment of the emergency fund, and complete honesty about his responsibilities.
“What if he refuses?” Summer asked.
I looked at my daughters.
“Then I’ll know I’m the only one trying to save this marriage.”
Meanwhile, Brandon’s vacation began falling apart. Dawn had commented beneath his picture:
“Who is helping Amy with Lila and Ivy?”
For once, I answered honestly.
“Brandon went without us.”
His friends were shocked. He had told them Summer was already staying with me.
“She is now,” he said.
“After you left?” Theo asked.
Brandon muttered, “She’s their mother.”
Simon replied, “And you’re their father.”
PART 3: THE FIRST HONEST CONVERSATION
On Sunday, I placed the screenshot of Brandon’s post, four days of feeding records, and the bank statement on the kitchen table.
His overnight bag waited beside the stairs.
Dawn held Ivy, and Summer sat with Lila.
When Brandon came through the door, he was smiling. The smile vanished when he saw us.
