I wait for my mom, and I need her cake to fortify me. Once mom brings out the coffee and cake, I tell them what happened today. My dad is angry.

"You're better off without her. How could Lauren do that to you?"

"I don't know, Dad. I keep thinking that somehow, it was my fault."

"I refuse to believe that," my mom says. "You were good to her. You bought that house for her, and this is how she thanks you? She cheats on you and leaves you when you are in the hospital."

"What are you going to do about the house?" my dad asks.

"I'm keeping the house. I suddenly have a vested interest in my adorable neighbor and her children. And, I've been invited to dinner tonight, and dinnerthat need to be made."

"You jumped into this too quickly, Mike, and you were not prepared for the harsh realities of life. Some people are assholes, and you cannot control how people react or how they see you. What you can do is control your response, and popping a handful of pills is not the answer. You are fortunate your father found you when he did. I have to ask Mike, were you seriously considering suicide?"

I take a long time to answer his question, and when I do, the reality of my actions is quite upsetting. I reply, "yes."

"Then we have a lot of work to do. Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow. You are not leaving here until you have accepted and can cope with