We talked about those feelings without trying to make them disappear.

When the counselor at school suggested extra support, I agreed.

The children had lost their father.

Then watched another adult enter their lives, make promises, and leave under distressing circumstances.

It was reasonable that they needed help processing that.

I needed some too.

I began seeing a counselor periodically.

Not because I thought there was something wrong with wanting to be loved.

Because I wanted to understand why I’d ignored so many concerns once Oliver began treating questions as evidence I didn’t trust him.

I remembered Sarah’s advice.