And Selina’s mother had, predictably, submitted report after report describing her daughter as a saint and describing David, during his visits, as intimidating, aggressive, controlling, and obsessed.

She had built, one report at a time, an official paper record of a menacing father.

Phoebe petitioned the court to remove her and appoint a neutral party, and the court agreed, and assigned a licensed, independent family-service agency to observe the visits.

The professional supervisor’s reports described a different human being entirely — described, in fact, the son I knew.

Leo ran to hug his father the instant he came through the door.

Mason climbed into his lap to read books.