Sophia was explaining a science experiment to Margaret over a video call.

Ethan and Noah were arguing about whether their latest model airplane needed more glue or fewer passengers.

Nothing about the room resembled the Reynolds estate.

Our furniture was ordinary, dinner was simple, and the conversation kept being interrupted by requests for water.

Yet I had never felt wealthier.

Eight years earlier, Daniel had walked away believing he could erase a family by refusing to acknowledge it.

At Christmas, he’d invited me back to witness how successful his life had become without us.