“Derek took care of your signature, dear, just like he took care of the custody papers,” Patricia said, her words as sharp as broken glass.

“You deserted that family the day you put those boots on.

You gave up your right to that living room, and you gave up your right to that child.”

“Lily was starving in that living room, Patricia.”

“Because of you!” Patricia shouted, so loud her voice buzzed against the plastic of the phone.

“You’re an unnatural mother!

You left her behind to play soldier in the desert, and now you want to come back and play the victim!

Any decent mother would have stayed home!”