Inside was a draft petition to remove her from the marital residence based on “erratic and escalating behavior.” Typed summaries of “documented episodes.” References to prescription misuse she had never committed. Selected text messages stripped of context. Notes about therapy. A list of medications. A proposed evaluation center.
And one email from Gavin to Adrian that changed everything.
If she becomes confrontational, stay calm and do not engage emotionally. If she makes contact, call 911 immediately. Use the language we discussed: “I’m afraid for her safety and mine.” Keep your hands visible. Do not mention the petition until after incident response is underway.
The email had been printed two days before the police were called.
In that instant, every strange month snapped into focus. The comments. The concern. The recordings. The pressure to skip seeing me. The questions about therapy. The request that she sign documents “to simplify asset protections.”
He had not been worried about her.
He had been preparing to erase her.
She photographed every page with her phone and emailed them to herself. Then she sent me a text at 10:03.
Mom, are you awake?