Safety was not a feeling I could permanently outsource, even to a father I loved.

Gavin continued to visit the nursery.

He continued to ask before picking Maya up.

He continued to appear moved by things she did without intending to impress anyone.

Those moments mattered.

They did not settle the photograph.

For a while, I felt guilty holding both thoughts: he had helped me when I had nowhere to go, and I needed to verify what he told me.

The attorney I consulted put it plainly.