Quietly, methodically, I started preparing to cut the cord and to make sure everyone saw exactly who my parents really were before I did.
Over the next week, I gathered everything Tyler had sent, combined it with my own proof, texts, receipts, old messages.
I created a folder on my desktop called “The Truth.”
I didn’t know exactly what I’d do with it yet, but something inside me told me I’d know when the time came.
In the meantime, I focused on Lucas.
I picked him up early from school, helped him with homework, made hot chocolate, let him pick out a new toy, one he actually wanted.
Watching his face light up reminded me that love didn’t need to be expensive to be meaningful.
It just had to be genuine.
One night, he asked, “Dad, are we seeing Grandma and Grandpa again soon?”
I hesitated.
