The memory still hurt, but I no longer needed to use it to predict every choice he would make.

My counselor asked me whether I felt obligated to reward his improvement by reconsidering the divorce.

“No,” I answered, surprised by my certainty.

“Are you glad he’s trying?”

“Yes.”

“Both things can be true.”

That became an important lesson.

I could hope Gavin learned to be a reliable father without becoming responsible for his growth.