My Daughter Begged Me Not to Get Off the Bus—Minutes Later, My Boyfriend Sent a Photo of My Deed Beside a Contract I Had Never Signed

Mom did not interrupt until I said I was considering whether Derek had simply phrased something badly.

“Do not go back to that house.”

“Mom—”

“Stay somewhere public.

I’m coming to you.”

I looked at Lily’s hands still gripping the backpack.

“Okay.”

“Call Ethan.”