Romero looked as upset as I felt.

She explained that the office had received the form by email from Julian’s address.

Eleanor had then telephoned, confirming that I needed rest and should not be contacted with stressful updates.

The school had not fully changed its records, but several routine messages had gone to Julian alone.

I told the principal what I knew and what I could not yet prove.

We agreed that future messages should go to both parents unless a court ordered otherwise.