Chapter 11 - MY OWN ROLE
Therapy made me angry.
Not because therapy failed.
Because the therapist kept asking questions I did not want.
Dr. Lane asked:
“When did you first suspect Daniel’s story about Elise was incomplete?”
“Six months ago.”
“Only then?”
I hesitated.
“Maybe earlier.”
“How much earlier?”
Years.
Ava once received a birthday card without a return address.
Daniel took it.
Said:
“Wrong address.”
I saw a Colorado Springs postmark.
Elise lived there.
I did not ask.
At thirteen, Ava mentioned a woman had followed her school Instagram.
Daniel said:
“That’s probably your mother trying to manipulate you.”
He blocked the account.
I thought:
Good.
Protect her.
Why?
Because Daniel was her father.
Because I had no biological claim.
Because I was terrified that questioning him would sound like a stepmother competing for authority.
I became useful by staying aligned.
Dr. Lane asked:
“What did that cost?”
“Ava.”
“Anything else?”
“Myself.”
There.
I had protected Daniel because challenging him risked my place in the family.
That was not noble.
Love for Ava was real.
May you like
Self-interest was too.
Both.
