I had been standing at her grave while he decided my son could raise himself for a week.

Noelle had started to cry without a sound.

I put a hand on each of the older kids’ shoulders and steered them gently toward the stairs, and told them none of this was theirs to carry, and that Jonah loved them and would want to see them soon.

Then I turned back to their father.

“Get out,” I said.

“This is my house too — ”

“I can’t legally force you out tonight, and I’m not going to try.