Chapter 15 - DANIEL ASKS FOR CUSTODY
Daniel filed for temporary shared parenting during our separation.
I became furious.
“You’re suing me?”
His attorney corrected.
“He is requesting a parenting schedule.”
Same courtroom.
Different meaning.
Daniel had no criminal charge.
No evidence he approved chain restraint.
CPS found judgment concerns but no direct physical abuse.
He had been Lily’s active father since birth.
Family court was not going to erase him because his mother committed an offense.
My attorney warned me.
I hated it.
Then admitted she was right.
Daniel received supervised visits initially because Lily was frightened and the investigation continued.
Their first therapeutic session lasted twenty minutes.
Lily refused to hug him.
Daniel did not force it.
Good.
“Why didn’t you come outside?”
“I should have.”
“Grandma said you agreed.”
“I agreed you should cool down outside. I did not agree to the chain.”
“You still made me go.”
“Yes.”
“Because Evan was birthday boy?”
“Yes.”
“He lied.”
“Yes.”
“Then why me?”
Daniel began crying.
The therapist stopped him before Lily had to soothe him.
He breathed.
Then:
“Because I was trying to keep Grandma happy instead of being fair to you.”
Lily looked at him.
“That’s stupid.”
“Yes.”
May you like
She did not forgive him.
But she stayed in the room.
