After They Won 'Perfect Parents' Award, I Left

My son's preschool was hosting an event, but I was blocked at the entrance by security.

“Kevin’s parents arrived early,” the guard explained.

I watched, a knot forming in my stomach, as my son cozied up to his teacher, Serena. He pointed at me, his face twisted in disgust. “Ugly monster! You’re not my mom!”

Julian, my husband, stood by, calmly telling the director to call the police on me.

It wasn't until they posted their "family photo" on social media – the two of them kissing Serena's cheeks, one on each side – that I realized how utterly lost I was.