I was learning that reclaiming property and reclaiming peace did not always happen on the same day.

PART 13 — The Story Kenneth Told Himself

Kenneth requested a meeting through Mr.

Callahan.

I agreed on the condition that we meet in a neutral office and discuss only financial disclosure, access to the house, and the steps toward separation.

He arrived looking older than I remembered, his hair uncombed and his usual pressed shirt wrinkled at the collar.

“I never wanted any of this,” he said before sitting down.

“Then tell me what you did want.”