Meanwhile, Gerald had arranged for a mediator to help Lisa understand the situation. It wasn’t meant to punish her, but to help her see that respect and mutual support were foundational to our family’s harmony.

The realization hit her that she had lost the sense of security she took for granted. It was a wake-up call, forcing her to reassess her priorities.

In the following weeks, Lisa reached out to me. Her initial calls went unanswered, not out of spite, but because I was giving us both time to heal. Eventually, I agreed to meet her, and we sat down in the community garden.