After a day of confusing silence, April 8 brings an avalanche of communication.

Five letters arrive by mail — all written before my father left, all delivered to our mailbox at the same time. For the first time since he disappeared, we hear directly from him, not in conversation, but through pages of explanation, accusation, and justification.

April 8 — Controlling the Narrative consists only of these letters, read in full and in the order they were received. There is no commentary or interpretation — just the words themselves, as my father attempts to define what has happened, assign blame, and shape how his departure will be understood.

This episode marks a clear shift. Silence gives way to saturation, and the story begins to be told loudly, repeatedly, and on his terms.

April 8… Continued is available free right now on Patreon.
The letters in this episode tell only part of the story. What we discovered when we entered his office at the school tells another.

⚠️ Content Note:
This series discusses sensitive themes and adult content, including suicide, abuse and coercive control, and may not be suitable for all listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

🔒 Link to Patreon episode

🎵 Music Credit:
Opening and closing music features Moonlight Sonata performed with permission by Paul Pitman. This piece is used intentionally. My father often played Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven on our piano at home, and I remember sitting in the hallway listening as a young child. Its presence in this podcast reflects the emotional atmosphere of these events — restrained, familiar, and unresolved.

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