{"id":23260,"date":"2026-11-12T09:34:58","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=23260"},"modified":"2026-11-12T09:34:58","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:34:58","slug":"my-son-announced-that-the-entire-family-was-cutting-ties-with-me-and-told-me-never-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=23260","title":{"rendered":"My son announced that the entire family was cutting ties with me and told me never to&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">By<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunchtime,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">number<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">climbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixty-two.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">By<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ninety-nine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ninety-nine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apparently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">welcome<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desperate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receiving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">announcing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ties<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">First,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calm<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixty-eight<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">putting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">six<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hardest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">death,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">renovate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supplies,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">summer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">activities,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">presents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">record.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inviting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unless<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gatherings<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">occasions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contribute<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financially,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">busy,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriages<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">priorities,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contact<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gathering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attempt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apparently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">authority<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">group<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">typed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gathering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">welcome.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">step<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threaten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beg.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attorney<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">importantly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">organize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finances<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMichael,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arranged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMargaret,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201care<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">framed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thanked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">end<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">underestimated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">news<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">travel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">8:14<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voicemail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMargaret,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">says<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrible?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">By<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">10:00<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a.m.,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eleven<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">far.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Yesterday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Today,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whenever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">panicking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discover<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">3<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Secret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Husband<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Behind<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">2:30<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thick<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">serious<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMargaret,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">planned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreements,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">established<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">structure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">designed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">retirement,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assets<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">retirement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">income<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">separate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">established<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assistance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">under<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">specific<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conditions?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">page.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">support<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">education<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">emergency<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assistance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">household.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unconditional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pointed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paragraph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRobert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assistance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">administered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financially<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secure,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regardless<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">within<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knows<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">may<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relatives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financially<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">indefinitely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repeated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">requests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">advances<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legitimate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rejected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recently,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">submitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">requesting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">substantial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">distribution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">included<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">statement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">claiming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">personally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">support<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unnecessary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressure.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">darling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reading<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">may<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">makes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">value<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">require<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrender<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dignity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ensure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">security,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freedom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guilt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neck.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">live<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peace.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">composed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assistance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">require<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">authorization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">request<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">operating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">according<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cPlease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">correctly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMargaret,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haven\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom!\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDon\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">normal.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">properly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappointing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">safe.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yourself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">revealed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desperate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">4<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">TRUTH<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">COMES<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">OUT<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">9:06<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMargaret,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstanding.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">privately.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discuss,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">writing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">minutes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDaniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upset.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remarkable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Yesterday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Today,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apparently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screenshot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">email.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">subject<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">line<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Urgent:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Support<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Confirmation<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">email<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">requested<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirmation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">large<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">payment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">available<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">end<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">month.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Attached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">examined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screenshot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirmed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">required<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">investigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">advised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accusations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confront<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relevant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">preserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reviewed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relative<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">described<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">increasingly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgetful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suggested<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">manage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">affairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgetful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">getting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apparently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behalf.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insisted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">betrayal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">granddaughter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seventeen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGrandma?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHello,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">really<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEmily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEmily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grown-up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problems<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adults<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">miss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fixed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contact<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disagreements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adults.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">participate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">days<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">initial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">irregularities<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">requests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">administrators<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suspended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disputed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">distribution<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">further<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">verification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">determination<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">examined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">informed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">request<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">under<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rang.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Careful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decorations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAbout<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAbout<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">5<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CHRISTMAS<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">SPENT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WITHOUT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THEM<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">preparing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turkey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">oven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">running<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ornaments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cup<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmases<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">board<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">games.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">falling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asleep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">How<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">How<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">often<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hidden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">How<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfortably<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">selfish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistaken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorbell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rang.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">younger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brother,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGrandma!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">barely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">react<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">framed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exhausted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">run<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whenever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">welcome<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDaniel,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cyou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cookies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upset<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressuring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interfering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">influence,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cutting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">force<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">send<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chosen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cApologize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">available<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expecting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rush<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfort<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eventually,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fix<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">version<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">makes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">condition<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">according<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terms.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">savings,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bargaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chips.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">magical<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erased<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sudden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cookies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">6<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">NINETY-NINE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CALLS<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gathered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">requested.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relatives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">participated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attend,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMargaret,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relatives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becoming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interfering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threatened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">withdraw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">support<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unless<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wishes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cousin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">described<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">urgent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relative<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gatherings<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beg<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stories<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ninety-nine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">concern.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">panic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attempts<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Michael.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discover<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interrupt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finished,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clear,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confuse<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assistance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">affection.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disrespect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shares<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sides.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interested<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punishing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exists<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excuses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">7<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">LIFE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CHOSE<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relatives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">automatically.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">request<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">postponed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">joined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gardening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">club.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weekly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">book<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">group.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">short<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trip<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">friends<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seaside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">town<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">local<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">library.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wonderful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mornings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rebuilt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awkward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eventually,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">groceries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vanessa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rebuilt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">separately,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">according<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">automatically<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entitled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">distinction<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGrandma,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201ccan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">really<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">digging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excuse<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWell,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Robert\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">soften.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mantelpiece.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FINAL<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ENDING<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">MESSAGE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">NEVER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">SENT<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">original<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">text<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">short.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replaced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">order.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contact<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">genuinely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wherever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Day,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">homemade<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pie.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ran<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pie<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWelcome<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holiday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ninety-nine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confront<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consequences<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ninety-nine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">importantly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glasses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">END.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>And another. By lunchtime, the number had climbed to sixty-two. By the following evening, there were ninety-nine missed calls. Ninety-nine. The same people who had &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21738,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,15,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-inspiration","category-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23260"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23261,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23260\/revisions\/23261"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21738"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}