The first few months were a nightmare of dust, leaks, and relentless work. The boys, bless them, helped where they could, handing her rags or watching the twins. Once she had made the house habitable, she filed for child support. And then, the real war began. Nick and his mother descended upon her like vultures, their visits a torrent of threats and abuse. The day his mother sneered that they would take the children from her, something inside Lisa snapped.

“That’s a wonderful idea,” she said with a chillingly sweet smile. “Let them live with their father in his nice, comfortable home. I’ll visit them on weekends. I’d love a break.”

The woman was so stunned she actually recoiled. The threats stopped. They had no interest in the responsibility, only in the control.