He asked me if I was leaving out of anger or because I was completely done.
I admitted to him that it was a combination of both feelings.
He gently reminded me that anger fades, but three babies still depend on me.
He wanted to ensure that this was truly the best path for their future.
I assured him that I understood the weight of my decision.
He asked me what would happen on the following morning.
I told him I would wake up in a home where Ryan could not control us.
I wanted to start making my own choices instead of having them made for me.
Shaun nodded his head in agreement.
I asked him to only agree if he truly meant it.
He promised he would help me get the old house safe and comfortable for the children.
His words brought a deep sense of relief to my chest.
At the next traffic light, my phone buzzed with a new message.
Ryan had sent a photo of himself smiling on the beach with his friends.
The caption said he was finally getting the rest he had earned.
I saved the image and showed it to my brother.
Shaun glanced at the screen and asked if I wanted him to intervene.
I told him no because I was done trying to explain my husband’s choices.
A Mother’s Support and New Plans
When we arrived back at our suburban house, our mother was waiting in the driveway.
She gently touched each baby’s soft cheek and then looked at me.
Shaun had called her while I was busy with the doctor.
She asked how the babies were doing and how I was holding up.
I told her the children were very healthy.
Instead of saying I was fine, I handed her my phone to show her the message.
My mother read the words once and her expression became very serious.
She asked me what I needed her to do to help us.
I asked her to watch the babies while I made some important phone calls.
She asked what our next steps would be after that.
I asked her if we could open up the old family home together.
She smiled warmly at me and nodded her head in agreement.
Once we were inside, my mother settled Luna comfortably on her shoulder.
I announced that I would call an attorney first and then hire some movers.
I planned to take photos of every room before we packed anything.
Shaun asked me what we should do if Ryan tried to call.
I told him that I would be the one to answer any calls.
He asked what we would do if Ryan demanded that we stop the move.
I took Soleil into my arms and held her close to me.
I said that Ryan could say whatever he wanted, but he could no longer dictate my life.
My mother agreed and told me to go make my phone calls.
I opened my contacts and pressed the first number on my list.
Shaun watched me walk into the kitchen to start the process.
He reminded me that this was my choice to make.
I told him I knew that, and then I spoke to the person on the other end of the line.
Taking Action for the Future
That afternoon, I spoke with a family attorney while my mother fed the babies.
I explained that I owned a separate property and wanted to move my children there.
I asked her what items I was legally allowed to take with me.
The attorney advised me to document everything with photographs.
She told me to take personal belongings and everything the babies needed.
She warned me to leave my husband’s personal property untouched.
She also instructed me to save every text message and piece of communication.
I wrote down her instructions carefully on a piece of paper.
Shaun asked me if we were going to take any shortcuts with the move.
I told him we would do everything legally and cleanly.
He picked up a tool and asked me where we should begin working.
I told him we needed to disassemble the baby cribs first.
My mother looked over at me and asked about Ryan’s reaction.
I explained that he would receive the legal paperwork in due time.
I assured her that I was not trying to hide the children from him.
