Ellie, I’ve always been allowed to go home.
Then why did Mom say you couldn’t?
- Mom made a big mistake. But it’s not your fault.
Her face was illuminated with joy.
So I don’t have to pack from my purple room?
- No need, honey.
She hugged me tightly.
I returned home twelve days ahead of schedule, hoping to make my family a surprise. Instead, I discovered that my daughter was about to lose her home, her school and her father, who had been back for months.
I couldn’t save my marriage, but I could have protected my place in her life.
And from that day on, Ellie should no longer have wondered if her dad was allowed to return home.
