I wanted to know that he could follow her feeding schedule, attend a pediatric appointment, and be reachable if she needed him.

Those were not punishments.

They were ordinary parental responsibilities he had avoided.

We agreed to a gradual interim schedule, subject to later review and any court orders.

He would have regular opportunities to see her, and we would communicate through a parenting application rather than midnight accusations.

During a break Gavin followed me into the corridor.

“Did you ever think I’d turn into this?” he asked.

“No.”