“I just don't want to stay home.”
I assumed she wanted adventure.
I told her:
“Spend time with the family.”
The family.
I pressed my palms against eyes.
“God.”
Simone touched my shoulder.
“You cannot change what you didn't understand then.”
“I can change what I do now.”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
That became my first clear thought.
Not revenge.
Not divorce.
Not punishment.
What does Nia need now?
Renee left at eight-thirty.
She took Malik and Zoe.
The children hugged Nia before leaving.
Zoe whispered something in her ear.
Nia cried.
I did not ask.
That belonged to them.
Renee paused at front door.
“I'll call tomorrow.”
I nodded.
She looked at me.
“Are you really doing this?”
“What?”
“Ending everything over chores.”
I stared.
Then understood.
She still did not understand.
Or could not.
“This isn't about chores.”
“It is.”
“No.”
“It is about using fear to make my daughter believe she could lose me.”
Renee’s eyes hardened.
“I never said that.”
“We have video.”
“She misunderstood.”
“We have video.”
“You're choosing her version because she’s your blood.”
“No.”
I stepped closer.
“I am choosing what I saw.”
She looked toward driveway.
Then back at me.
“Do you love me?”
“Yes.”
The answer shocked her.
It shocked Simone too.
I continued:
“And I don't trust you around my daughter right now.”
Renee started crying.
“Those can exist together.”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“They can't.”
“They do.”
I opened door.
“Goodnight.”
After she left, I sat on the floor beside Nia’s bed.