“I needed the rent money every month to stay in this good school district.”

Michael carried the second box down the narrow concrete walk.

Lena followed him halfway to the curb.

“Please drop the evidentiary hearing,” Lena said.

“We can just go back to the regular weekend visitation schedule.”

Michael pushed the metal trunk lid down with both hands.

He turned around to face his ex-wife.

“You left him alone in that house, Lena,” Michael said.