“Liam? What’s wrong, sweetie?

He wept, “Mrs. Kim threatened to place me for adoption if I didn’t behave and watch cartoons.”

“She and Grandma advised me to adjust to living without a mother.”

“That’s not true,” I firmly stated.

“Never—never—would I abandon you. Can you hear me?

Liam made a soft, hiccuping sound. “So, what made them say that?”

“Put Grandma on the phone,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Oh! You’re back early—”

“WHERE IS LIAM?” I yelled.

“He’s upstairs, taking a nap,” she responded quietly. “He was so difficult at first, but don’t worry—I taught him how to behave.”

When I approached Liam’s room, I didn’t knock. I pulled the door wide, my breath seizing as I saw him.

“Liam,” I whispered.

“Mom!”

“I didn’t mean to be bad!” he cried. “Please don’t leave me!”

My eyes were scorched by tears.

I trembled as I said, “Explain.” “Now.”

Angela crossed her arms across her chest and sighed dramatically. “Oh, please stop pretending that I struck him.”

I gripped Liam tighter.

I said, “You promised that I would place my son for adoption.”

“You gave him the impression that I didn’t want him. You believed he was alone in the world, so you let him weep himself to sleep.

Angela gave a hand gesture. Nobody is ever harmed by a little fear. It teaches deference. Children that don’t learn early become weak as adults.

“Children are not coerced into obedience by fear. You adore them. You keep them safe.

She made fun of it. “I was not raised that way, and I did just fine.”

Emphasize
Behind me was Ethan. He stated:

“Mom.”

“Prove to me that this is untrue.”

Angela gave an eye roll. “Oh, don’t be theatrical, Ethan. It’s just discipline. Children require it, and it’s okay if a little fear keeps them in line.

Then he said something.

Slowly, he said, “All right.”

“So don’t be shocked if we eventually place you in a nursing home. That’s only one aspect of how we deal with challenging parents, you know.

Quiet.

Angela’s cheeks turned pale. “Pardon me?”

“Don’t you think a little fear helps develop character? Shouldn’t you also have that experience?

Angela was astonished, for the first time.

Ethan faced me. “Snatch Liam up. We’re heading out.

I didn’t put it off.

“Hold on! Don’t do this, Ethan. I didn’t intend to—

In conclusion

Agela begged to see Liam for weeks by leaving notes, leaving messages, and even showing up at our home.

Ethan paid her no attention. Her number was blocked by me. She sobbed, expressed regret, and vowed never to do it again.

Liam also underwent alteration. He would become very serious and run to me with tears in his eyes if I left the room, even for a little while.

And for me, that was sufficient. After this experience, I was certain that we were headed in the correct direction despite the challenges.