had kept steady work.
No criminal issues.
No instability.
Still, I was terrified.
Priya helped me create a plan.
Public family center.
One hour.
A child therapist available nearby but not sitting in the room unless needed.
Mia knew she was going to meet “David, the man who helped make you when you were a baby.”
Age-appropriate.
No giant word father loaded with expectations.
David arrived early.
I saw him through the window.
He looked older.
Thinner.
Nervous.
Good.
Mia walked in holding my hand.
She was three and a half.
Yellow dress.
Not the same one.
Too big for that now.
David stood.
His eyes filled immediately.
He did not approach.
“Hi, Mia.”
She looked at him.
“Hi.”
“I’m David.”
“I know.”
That surprised him.
Mia looked at me.
“Can I color?”
“Of course.”
She sat at the table.
David sat across from her.
Not too close.
She handed
