Helen took a slow breath. “Marnie, at dinner, Gordon told us you had been unwell for years. He said you drank, that Tyler had to cover for you, and that you had missed half his childhood.” My coffee went cold in my hand. I had never missed a single game, recital, or parent night. “Denise nodded along,” Helen added. “And Tyler sat there and said nothing.” I stared at the graduation photo in the hallway, my hand shaking so hard the phone rattled against my ear.

Then Helen’s voice dropped. “That isn’t why I called. After Natalie confronted him, Tyler said something I have not been able to forget. And then I found out what Gordon asked him to sign last week.” The line went quiet. “Marnie, are you sitting down?” I was not. I gripped the counter and said yes anyway, and she began to read.