Chapter 8 - The relocation file
Nathan’s relocation request did not disappear because Maddie had cancer.
He withdrew the immediate move request.
His employer agreed to delay relocation three months.
Then six.
But the custody evaluator still needed to understand how medical decisions had become part of the original case.
Dr. Lewis requested the complete relevant record.
She interviewed Nathan again.
Later, her report summarized without revealing privileged therapy.
Nathan had become increasingly convinced that Maddie’s physical complaints were “reinforced” by my attention.
Where did that belief come from?
A parenting consultant.
Not a physician.
The consultant had advised:
“Do not reward avoidance behavior.”
That was about school anxiety.
Nathan generalized it to pain.
Then he began documenting.
Dates Maddie asked to stay home.
Times I scheduled appointments.
Messages where I asked:
“How are you feeling?”
He interpreted concern as reinforcement.
Then the hidden appointment.
Why take her at all if he thought pain was attention?
Because Maddie woke him crying at 1 a.m.
He became worried enough to go.
The doctor ordered X-ray.
Abnormal.
MRI.
Nathan’s belief should have changed.
Instead, he searched.
Dr. Lewis obtained browsing history only because Nathan voluntarily produced device records? Better not invasive. We can use email from him to parenting consultant.
Nathan emailed the consultant:
X-ray showed something they want to look at, probably benign. If I tell Caroline, she will turn this into evidence Maddie cannot move. I’m thinking we wait and see if pain settles.
Consultant replied:
I cannot advise you to disregard medical recommendations. Follow the physician’s plan.
There.
Nathan had been warned.
Then:
The custody question should be kept separate from medical care.
Clear.
Nathan did not answer.
Three days later, he canceled MRI.
That was damaging.
Then another email to his attorney.
Not privileged? Communications to attorney privileged. We cannot use unless waived. So no.
Instead, text to his sister, Elaine.
If this becomes another specialist circus, Caroline wins the relocation argument before evaluator even finishes.
Elaine:
But if doctor ordered MRI, do MRI.
Nathan:
I’m giving it a week.
He gave it five.
The pattern strengthened.
Then his employer.
Promotion offer expiration approaching.
Nathan had negotiated:
Temporary remote arrangement.
Reduced travel.
No loss yet.
The $60,000 retention bonus would require eventual relocation.
He told Dr. Lewis:
“The money wasn’t why.”
I believed him.
He already earned well.
The deeper motive was control over his relationship with Maddie.
He feared if she remained with me and he moved, she would choose me more often.
That fear was human.
What he did with it was not.
May you like
Then chemotherapy started.
Everything else suddenly became less abstract.
