Adrian found one email that made him physically ill.

Seraphine had written:

Maisie’s jealousy is becoming dangerous. We need firmer consequences.

Adrian replied from an airport:

I trust your judgment. Do what you think is necessary until I’m home.

He had meant:

Take away screens.

Set bedtime.

Manage ordinary parenting.

Seraphine later cited the email in her behavioral-placement paperwork as proof Adrian delegated decision-making.

Legally weak.

Emotionally devastating.

Adrian had handed authority over without defining limits.

He sat in therapy and said:

“I told her to do whatever she thought necessary.”

The therapist corrected:

“You did not tell her to lock children in a doghouse.”

“No.”

“Then don't take responsibility that belongs to Seraphine.”

Adrian looked down.

“But?”

“You are responsible for not checking what ‘necessary’ meant.”

Both could be true.

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