“But what about us? Aren’t we a part of your life?” Axel demanded, standing up from the chair and glaring at his father. “How could you do that to me? My mom loved you and you cut her out of our lives like some sort of piece of garbage? You were supposed to be my father!”

His father reached up and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “It was a hard decision, son, one that I’m sure she doesn’t appreciate me making. But it needs to happen, and I’ve already talked it over with her. It’s time we moved forward.”

The words sent a chill down Axel’s spine. He...