Being a single mom wasn’t hard; watching my daughter, Lily, repeatedly realize her father would always choose someone else over her was. When Willie tried to take back a birthday gift for Lily to please his new wife, I decided to teach him a lesson.

Willie had been my wound since our marriage ended. I was left raising Lily alone while he moved on. Then, out of nowhere, he called to ask for the tablet he’d given Lily, claiming his new wife didn’t think it was appropriate. That was the last straw. I agreed to give it back, but on one condition: he reimburse Lily for her share.

I gathered receipts, showing the sacrifices I’d made for Lily and her contribution to the tablet. At a coffee shop, I confronted Willie, presenting the documents and demanding he either pay up or leave the tablet. After some back and forth, he grudgingly agreed.

Later, he texted me, blaming me for making him look bad. I didn’t feel guilty. Willie had always been more concerned about appearances than substance.

That night, Lily asked if her dad really loved her. I explained that love is about actions, not just words. She may have kept the tablet, but more importantly, she learned that true love shows up.