The refrigerator was empty. My wife’s hands were trembling. And upstairs, my daughter was livestreaming her new designer bag, bought with the money meant for food. “Dad won’t do anything,” Mia whispered to her boyfriend.

“You’re right,” I said quietly. “I need to understand exactly what’s been happening.”

Mia smirked like she had already won.

That was her first mistake.

I didn’t scream that night.

That unsettled them more than anger would have.

I made Elena soup while she sat at the table apologizing for being weak, apologizing for needing help, apologizing for crying.

I held her hand tightly.

“No more apologizing.”

Mia leaned against the doorway with Brent behind her.

“She’s acting like a victim because I asked her not to interfere with my life,” Mia snapped.

Brent shrugged. “Your daughter’s been holding things together while you travel.”