Hatred would have given me a clear opponent and a battle I understood.

Instead she was building a life where I was neither hero nor enemy, merely absent.

The work of becoming present could not begin with proving I deserved her approval.

The therapist suggested that I write the children a short letter using simple language.

Hannah would read it first and decide with the therapist when it was appropriate to share.

I wrote: Hello Elias and Rose.

My name is Connor.