Kyle hadn’t phoned in weeks—no check-ins, no apologies, no attempt. He appeared just in time for Father’s Day, like a horrible comedy.
He texted mid-morning: “Considering visiting Emma on Sunday for Father’s Day.”
Jaw clinched, I gazed at it for a minute. Six months of quiet, no child support, no visits—now this? After almost a month without talking to Emma, he wanted a picture.
Of course I agreed. He didn’t deserve it, but I knew he didn’t.
Kyle has been calling himself “Super Dad” online since our divorce. His Instagram is a museum of paternal fantasy, including photographs of Emma with saccharine phrases like “Forever proud to be your dad” on old birthday pics. His final post? Emma is six. Her age is nine.
While his admirers sent him affection emojis, Emma waited for a reply that never came. No bedtime texts, no “How was school?” Only quiet.
One night, I gently told her. I sat next her while she calmly solved a problem.
“Sweetheart, your dad may come over Sunday.”
She glanced up, hopeful yet apprehensive. “Really?”
She took out a half-finished, crumpled card with tentative crayon hearts from her bag.
“We started them at school,” she muttered. But I had no idea what to write. Not sure whether I have a dad anymore.”
My throat tightened. You don’t need to build one, baby.”
She stared at me with that concentrated expression she gets when something works. Then—it appeared. That spark.
“No… I believe I know what to write.”
We sat at the kitchen table later. She asked for assistance cutting shapes, but wrote for herself. Her final product was given to me for glittering.
As the sparkles subsided, I read her writing. She was embraced in my largest hug without a word.
Sunday, I was ready. Kyle’s beautiful automobile pulled into the driveway at 2:58 p.m. like a movie prop. He left smelling like fragrance and ego with a dazzling gift bag.
But he had company.
With heels too high for authenticity, a blonde, smiling lady I’d never seen approached behind him, recording on her phone.
“Hey,” Kyle smiled. “This is my girlfriend Ava. She desired meeting Emma. And you, too.”
Emma seemed rigid and silent beside me. Kyle pulled her into an embrace while Ava videotaped.
He displayed the gift bag like a prize. “Something special for you, sweetie.”
Emma looked inside. The stylish water bottle was lovely yet careless. She whispered “Thank you,” then looked at me.
That was my signal.
I gently said, “Emma, why don’t you show your dad the card you made?”
She brightened up and ran to her room.
When she returned, she gave Kyle the card. He opened it elegantly for Father’s Day.
The grin vanished quickly.
He blinks. “What? It says ‘Happy Father’s Day… to Mom?’”
Em stood tall. I created it for Mommy. As a mom, she takes care of me by tucking me in, helping with schoolwork, and taking me to the doctor.
Camera dropped. Ava looked like a cold sponge was smacked.
I approached calmly. “Since you’re here, Kyle, I printed a few things you might want to review.”
I sent him a binder with every missed payment, disregarded court notification, and lawyer letter.
Ava read over his shoulder, her voice freezing.
You assured me your kid was well. You claimed custody.”
Kyle stuttered. “It’s complicated.”
“Complicated?” she growled. “You missed 12 visits.”
I led them out with a grin only years of co-parenting anguish can provide.
I wouldn’t bar you from your future post. Happy Father’s Day.”
They departed silently, their beautiful story collapsing.
Back inside, Emma took her card. Did I do wrong?
Shook my head, drawing her close. “No, baby. You performed well.”
We wore aprons and made cookies, getting glitter off our sleeves and anguish off our hearts.
She held me close as I tucked her in that night.
“You really are both my parents,” she muttered.
Despite tears, I grinned knowing no caption, filter, or post could equal that moment.
