Chapter 16 - Work Changes
Stellan changed jobs.
Not because court forced.
His old role involved twelve-hour days.
He moved to a position with lower bonus.
More predictable hours.
Was that performative for custody?
Partly.
So what?
Safe behavior can begin with external motive.
Then become habit.
He attended every supervised visit.
Parent coaching.
School meetings when permitted.
No Agatha.
He learned to make dinner.
Actually make.
Not order.
Benson told me:
“Daddy broccoli bad.”
I laughed.
Good.
Then one supervised visit:
Benson refused chicken.
Stellan said:
“You can have yogurt.”
Supervisor noted no issue.
Another:
Benson called him stupid.
Stellan took breath.
“No tablet tonight.”
Benson screamed.
Stellan remained.
Dinner stayed.
This was what change looked like.
Not speeches.
Repetition.
Then Dr. Price recommended step-up:
Four-hour unsupervised daytime visits.
No overnights yet.
Agatha barred from contact during Stellan’s parenting time.
Stellan agreed.
I was terrified.
I did not object without evidence.
First visit:
Park.
Lunch.
Home.
Benson returned full of stories.
No problem.
Second:
Tantrum at store.
No dinner withholding.
Third:
Benson fell asleep in car.
Normal.
May you like
My fear slowly separated from current facts.
That was my work.
