When I mentioned the twins, Camille smiled. Then she asked whether I felt safe at home. I admitted that Michael still had a key and had entered twice without warning to collect belongings. She discussed lawful options for securing my residence and documenting unwanted contact. I agreed to stop meeting him alone.
Camille gave me a folder labeled FACTS, NOT FEAR. Inside were blank pages for dates, messages, payments, and witnesses. I started filling them before I reached my car.
CHAPTER 4: THE MISSING FOLLOW-UP
Michael sent me a text at 11:07 that night: You can stop pretending. My surgery makes this simple.
I answered once, with Camille’s approval. A vasectomy requires follow-up testing. Please direct legal communications to my attorney. He replied with a string of insults. I saved them and did not respond.
Three days later his mother, Patricia, called from a blocked number. She wanted to know whether I had told the neighborhood about the pregnancy. I said I had told only people who needed to know. Patricia announced that Jessica was helping Michael through a difficult time.
