Ever since our divorce, Kyle has been flaunting his fatherhood online—but in real life, he’s disappeared. His Instagram is full of sweet “proud dad” posts, but he hasn’t paid child support in six months, skipped visits, and gone nearly a month without even texting Emma. She checks her phone every night—hoping for a message, but nothing comes.
Then just before Father’s Day, he suddenly texts that he wants to visit. I agree and prepare Emma, who shyly admits she “doesn’t know if \[she] has a dad anymore.” That night, she finally decides what to put on her handmade card.
On Father’s Day, Kyle shows up with his new girlfriend, Ava, who immediately starts filming everything. He brings Emma a trendy water bottle from Target. I invite Emma to give her card. She hands him the glittery creation, but when he opens it, it reads, “Happy Father’s Day… to Mom!” Emma explains she made it for me because I’m the one she sees helping her every day.
Kyle and Ava go silent. I hand Kyle the records: missed support, canceled visits, ignored court notices. Ava is furious—he’s lied to her, too. I escort them to the door, calmly wishing them a happy Father’s Day.
Later, Emma nearly tears apart over giving the card. I reassure her she did perfectly. We bake cookies together and end the night with her whispering, “You really are both my parents.”