He remained on the line for a short conversation about the girls.

There was no grand apology, no demand that I admit I had been unfair.

We spoke, and the call ended with a plan.

Three days later, they brought a written breakdown.

Julian had listed income, recurring charges, moving costs, and medical bills.

Maya had added the baby supplies they used and the costs that varied.

Some figures were approximate, and they marked those instead of pretending the page was perfect.

“I should have done this before asking,” Julian said.