Dear Lawrence Ruiz,

Now that you’re back in the only home you will ever know, I hope you can reflect on everything you’ve done and everyone you’ve hurt and disturbed over the past decade. I want you to remember the night you pushed me down the stairs and walked away with a grin on your face. I want you to remember the night I kicked open the front door and you were circling the floor in the spot you attempted to murder my mother. I want you to know that you will never be considered anything close to a father or a husband; you’re a walking excuse of God’s mistake and you will never succeed, you will never flourish, and you will never be loved. I can’t help but think that with every breath you waste is another breath my father didn’t get to take. You’re a hopeless flaw and I hope you rot behind bars for the rest of your life. Welcome home.

-Cody, the one you failed to raise.