After my mom passed away from cancer, Dad threw himself into work. I think it was his way of dealing with the grief.

That’s where he met Carol. She worked in accounting at his law firm.

She was pretty, I’ll give her that. Blonde hair always perfectly styled, a bright smile, and this sweet voice that made everyone trust her instantly.

“She’s been through a lot too,” Dad told me one evening over takeout pizza. “Her ex-husband left her when she was trying to have kids. She understands what it’s like to lose family.”

I wanted to be happy for him. Really, I did.