My dad saw me limping down the street with my baby and groceries and asked, “Where’s your car?” When I whispered, “His mom took it… said I’m lucky they let me stay,” Dad didn’t argue. He opened the door and said, “Get in. We’re fixing this tonight

here to fix a situation you’ve let become unacceptable.”

Derek’s jaw tightened. “What situation?”

I couldn’t stop my voice from cracking. “They took the car, Derek. I had to walk to the store with Evan.”

Derek glanced at his mother like he needed permission to react. “Mom—”

Patricia swooped in. “I told her not to go out in the heat with the baby. She doesn’t continue reading …