“If you miss the mediation, the offer is gone for good.”

Michael looked at the battered red ledger lying beside the heavy black binder.

It held four whole years of detailed visitation records, missed pickups and false statements.

“I’m turning down the severance,” Michael said.

“You’re walking away from six months of regional coordinator pay,” Carla said.

“My son needs me sitting at the petitioner’s table,” Michael said.

Carla’s pen stopped tapping.

The line was quiet for a long moment.