Two weeks later my parents hired a lawyer and sent a letter accusing me of causing emotional distress to Alyssa. They claimed my police report had endangered her pregnancy.
Instead of backing down I contacted an attorney named Peter Sullivan.
He read their letter and calmly explained that it was simply intimidation.
“They have no legal case,” he said. “They are hoping you will be scared.”
Around the same time I began therapy with Dr. Rachel Kim, a specialist in family conflict. She helped me recognize a pattern that had existed for years.
“Alyssa was protected from consequences,” she explained during one session. “You were expected to manage everything alone.”
Her insight matched memories from my childhood. Whenever Alyssa struggled our parents defended her, while I was told to work harder and be responsible.
Eventually even my grandmother Evelyn Harper contacted me.
“Your parents acted foolishly,” she said bluntly. “You did the right thing.”
Her support gave me strength.