When my daughter Sari, 16, called crying, I didn’t expect what she said: “I have the night shift with the baby.” Her stepmom had told her she had to “earn her keep” by taking care of the newborn overnight. Furious but calm, I showed up the next morning with donuts and a fake smile, then told Sari—loud enough for everyone to hear—that she was coming home with me. No fights, just facts: she wasn’t going to be guilted into unpaid labor.

At home, Sari finally rested. Thirteen hours of sleep later, her smile was back. A few days in, Colby, my ex, called. He looked worn down and admitted he’d failed her—scared to confront Renna’s postpartum struggles and too passive to protect his daughter. But he was ready to make it right. I agreed to Sari staying with me full-time—if he apologized to her directly.

And he did. In our living room, he said the words every child needs: “I was wrong. I’m sorry. I’ll do better.” Tears followed. It didn’t fix everything, but it was a start. He began showing up—texts, school plays, even flowers. For once, Sari felt prioritized. Not a babysitter. Not a burden. Just a daughter.

We’ll never be best friends again, Colby and I. And Renna? I’ll stay politely distant. But Sari now knows she’s safe, valued, and deeply loved. Because the grown-ups? We’re supposed to protect, not exploit. And I’ll never stop showing her that.