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

give him a lecture.

I just pointed to the list again.

“You want me on that paper?” I asked.

He nodded.

“Then you’re going to put me in your life like I’m real,” I said. “Not like a symbol. Not like a backup plan.”

He nodded again, fast.

“And,” I added, “you’re going to tell your story honestly.”

He froze. “What do you mean?”

I held his gaze.

“I mean if you continue reading …