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.

“You’ll manage.”

While she packed her belongings, I made one final attempt.

“Sophie still sleeps holding your sweater.”

“Then give her another blanket.”

She wasn’t simply ending our marriage. She was walking away from all seven children.

Sophie sobbed through that first night, finally quieting near dawn.

“Daddy, where’s Mommy?”

“She’s not coming home tonight, sweetheart.”

“Tomorrow?”

I had no answer.