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

calm as a blade.

Derek’s head snapped up. “Mom, you didn’t—”

Patricia’s mouth tightened, caught. “It was a figure of speech.”

Dad nodded like he’d expected that answer. “Okay. Then you’ll have no problem if we record you saying you won’t do that again.”

Patricia’s nostrils flared. “How dare you.”

“How dare you,” Dad echoed quietly. “That’s what I’m thinking continue reading …