The Budget of Paradox

Sophia,
I just remembered that you’ll turn 18 while you’re a high school senior. Why not consider flying out to see me over your Spring Break in 2027? Or better still, Christmas 2026. Of course, I’d love to see you sooner. But if your mom refuses to get you a passport, we have to figure out something around your 18th birthday.

Her refusal to get you a passport is just cruel and stupid and pointless. Will I kidnap you? Yes, and make you happy.

And then I’ll send you back home at the appointed time.

Her stupid lawyer gave her this idea that I’m a kidnapper. The stupid lawyer is long gone, but somehow still has an influence. I don’t get it. It was never true then, and it’s certainly not true now. I never threatened to kidnap anyone. I never even joked about it. In fact, when I try to take your mom to court to assert my child visitation, she hires expensive lawyers to fight me. Who’s kidnapped who, here?

I don’t know why some people are terrified by the fact that you have a father who loves you.