I keep wanting to be understood before I have finished understanding what I did. I changed the locks because I wanted control over a situation that scared me. I interpreted your work as rejection. I talked to my mother instead of talking to you. I considered using your property as the solution to a problem that belonged to me. Then when I sensed powerless, I tried to make you feel powerless too. You spent years making room for my pride. I treated that kindness like evidence that I deserved more room.

I will keep going to therapy either way. Michael

PART 5 — THE HOME WE CHOSE TO BUILD

His investment packet for the Evanston project was gone. I returned home. Because ultimately distance can become another way of avoiding a decision. Michael moved into the guest room. We started marriage counseling on Tuesdays. Our therapist, Dr. Reyes, had a habit of asking simple questions that were impossible to answer quickly.