The Door Stayed Unlocked: A Father, Three Silent Years, and One Baby

to face the damage.”

I leaned back, exhausted in a way that felt oddly hopeful.

“The world teaches people to curate a story,” I said. “It doesn’t teach them to repair one.”

He nodded.

“Dad,” he whispered, “I don’t want to be that man anymore.”

I looked at him, really looked at him.

“Then show me,” I said.

He swallowed.

“How?”

I didn’t give him a speech.

I didn’t continue reading …