I was going to prepare.
Quietly.
Carefully.
Completely.
The next morning, Dad came back at nine.
He brought coffee and a folder.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Your first step.”
Inside was a list.
Bank account.
Direct deposit.
Credit report.
Important documents.
Emergency savings.
Housing options.
Legal consultation.
Childcare records.
Everything I had been too overwhelmed to organize.
Dad sat across from me.
“We’re going to put your life back in your hands.”
I looked at the list.
“What if he gets angry?”
Dad didn’t hesitate.
“He probably will.”
“What if he threatens me?”
“Then we document it.”
“What if he tries to take Ben?”
Dad leaned forward.
“Then you get legal advice and follow the court process.”
“What if I lose everything?”
Dad looked at me for a long moment.
“Laya, you already know what losing everything feels like.”
I looked toward the kitchen.
Toward the refrigerator.
“You’re right.”
He tapped the folder.
