And you were willing to let him suffer to get it.” And I hung up, and she never dared to call me again.

Chapter 16 — You Already Survived the Worst

As the divorce moved forward, my daughter’s fear did not immediately lift, and it is important that I tell you this, because it is the truest part of the whole story.

She was not afraid because she wanted Derek back.

She was afraid because she had spent years being carefully taught that she could not survive in the world without him, and a lie like that does not leave the body the moment the courtroom door closes.

She would wake in the night and check the front-door locks.