I wasn’t trying to erase their father.

I was trying to give them a way to feel loved without being asked to take sides.

When Grant called at eight, I let Brielle and Parker talk from the living room while I remained nearby but out of the conversation.

Parker described his dinosaur drawing.

Brielle mentioned a math quiz.

Grant sounded affectionate and normal.

After the call, Brielle asked whether adults could be nice on the phone and still be mean elsewhere.

“Yes,” I said.