“Dad… My Back Hurts So Bad I Can’t Sleep. Mom Told Me Not to Tell You.” I Had Just Walked In From a Business Trip

Changed nothing beyond safety measures my attorney said were permissible.

Legal restraint felt emotionally unsatisfying.

Good.

The goal was not satisfaction.

PART 14 — THE BEDROOM

The first time Lily and I returned home with clearance, she stopped outside her bedroom.

The brass door handle was still there.

She stared.

“Do you want another room?”

She nodded.