My wife vanished. No warning. Just a text: «We’re in Hawaii. Take care of the kids.» Five confused children stood in the parking lot. I called. No answer. So, I made a decision. This morning, my phone blew up—she was back… and furious. 26 missed calls…

Ms. Waters, your actions show a disturbing pattern of neglect and self-interest. You abandoned your children without warning, failed to make contact for weeks, and placed them in emotional distress. Madison wiped her eyes.

I was just overwhelmed. You were in Maui, the judge snapped. Not rehab.

Not a hospital. A resort. Her gavel slammed down.

Full legal and physical custody awarded to Mr. Walker. Visitation denied until further court review. You will undergo a full psychiatric evaluation before the court reconsiders your parental rights.

This court is adjourned. Madison gasped like she’d been punched. Wait! No, please, I didn’t mean— But the bailiff had already approached her.

I didn’t smile. I didn’t gloat. I just stood.

Buttoned my coat, and walked out of the courtroom into the brisk morning air. Later that evening, Madison sent me one last message. You ruined me.

I stared at the screen, then typed my reply. Number you did that all by yourself. Epilogue The kids are doing better now.

Emma no longer cries before bed. Tyler started playing baseball again. Lila even drew a picture of Daddy the Hero for her class project.

As for Madison? Last I heard, she moved back in with her mother in a small town three states away, unemployed and battling a lawsuit from Lillian. Ethan. He lost his job, his marriage, and most of his reputation in our circle.

Some say he’s living in a cheap studio apartment. Alone. Me? I’m not bitter.

I’m just done. And free. Because sometimes the most powerful revenge… is living a life they can never be part of again.