“No,” I replied, my voice firm. “It’s simple. Family should come first.”

Monica crossed her arms, her stance defiant, but I saw the cracks begin to show. This wasn’t a battle she expected, and it certainly wasn’t one she was prepared for.

“I’ll be back,” I told them both, “and when I do, I hope you’ve thought long and hard about what family means. To both of you.”

With that, I turned and left the house, my heart heavy but resolute. I called Emma from the driveway, her voice a balm to my aching heart. “Pack your things, Em. You’re coming to stay with me for as long as you need.”