My wife left me and our seven children for a luxurious life with my wealthy best friend. I never tried to get even, not even when she reappeared ten years later. But when she screamed at our youngest daughter for confronting her, I realized I could no longer remain silent.

“She wanted a tablet, too. I couldn’t afford both.”

“Dad, she’s been talking about that desk for weeks.”

“But a tablet would’ve cost more.”

“So? Since when does the price decide how special a gift is?”

I smiled, realizing Rachel was right.

The next evening, a tablet became the least of our concerns.

Sophie’s birthday barbecue brought all seven children together, along with her classmates and several neighbors.

She shrieked with excitement upon opening her present.

“DAD! YOU FINISHED IT!”

“Unless you’d prefer another pair of socks.”

She threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me over. “This is better than the tablet!”

“You don’t have to say that.”

“I’m not saying it for you!”

“Can we put it in my room tonight?” Sophie asked.

“After the party.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

She grinned. “Then I’ll do my homework at it tomorrow. Even math.”