For fifteen years, I had learned how to make myself smaller for Marcus. I laughed when he dismissed my ideas, apologized when he was angry, and convinced myself that keeping our family together mattered more than being heard. Our daughter, Nora, noticed more than I realized. She once asked why I always went quiet whenever Dad entered a room. I had no answer. Then, at a party, Marcus made one careless comment about my dream of restoring a boutique hotel in McCall. Everyone laughed, but something inside me finally broke. Across the room, Evan asked how I took my coffee and listened to my answer. It was such a small kindness, yet it made me realize how long I had gone without one. Later, Marcus gave me an ultimatum: accept things as they were or leave. I looked at him and quietly made my decision.
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