“Why didn’t you sue for child support?” I asked, hating how quickly the question returned to money.

“I considered it.

My attorney explained my options.

Then both children needed medical care, and I couldn’t face spending their earliest months in a legal fight with a man who had told me I was unwanted.

I used my own savings, worked when I could, and accepted help from people who wanted to give it.

That doesn’t mean your obligations disappeared.”

I nodded slowly.