My pregnant daughter-in-law told my son she needed “peace and quiet” and that I had to move out of the four-bedroom house my late husband and I had paid off years ago.

“We don’t have enough money.”

“Then sell some of the luxury baby items. Downgrade the car if you have to. Cut expenses.”

I softened my voice.

“You’re about to be somebody’s father, David. Figure out what your family can actually afford and live within it.”

For once, there was nothing I could do for him that would be kinder than making him do it himself.

After they left

Two weeks later, a moving truck pulled into my driveway.

They had found a small two-bedroom apartment across town.

It wasn’t the