“Mark,” I said when he answered, “I need your help.”

Within minutes, Mark arrived, his presence a reassuring anchor. We approached the house quietly, intent on assessing the situation. Through the living room window, I saw them—my wife and Steve, both looking far too comfortable, unaware of the storm brewing outside.

“I’ll handle this,” I told Mark, who nodded and stood back, ready to step in if I needed him. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.