I talk to my father once a week. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes he calls me more often, and I wonder why he does that. What does he miss about me? When I hang up my weekly phone call with him, I never say “I love you.” Because I’m not sure that I do. I don’t remember ever saying those words to him. I wonder if I ever will.

Sometimes when I am talking to him, on the phone or in person, I pause. I forget what we’re talking about, but I remember everything. My heart stops when I think of his cruel...