It was gradual.

There was no single pay packet that repaired the past or made parenting easy.

When they no longer needed the regular purchases, Maya told me directly.

“We’re managing this part now.”

“Good.”

I had thought I might feel less needed.

Instead, I felt relieved that our visits could be about one another rather than an arrangement I had to keep renewing.

I still bought the occasional thing because I wanted to.