When I was 7, my parents divorced, and my grandmother took me in without hesitation. By 18, I had graduated high school, with my parents barely in the picture, just occasional cards or emails. It was just Grandma and me, and that was enough.

I found a job at a marketing firm, where I met James, a kind graphic designer. Our friendship blossomed into love, and he proposed last month. Then, a few days ago, an unexpected email from my dad arrived. He’d lost his job and asked if he could stay with me. I was filled with surprise, anger, and confusion. How could he ask after abandoning me for so long?

I showed James the email, and he asked if I wanted to meet him. I agreed, intending to tell him he wasn’t welcome. At the café, he looked desperate. I got straight to the point: I wasn’t offering him a place to stay. He got angry, saying he supported me until I turned 18 and accused me of being ungrateful. I reminded him that Grandma had raised me, not him. He yelled that I was turning my back on him. Though I stand by my decision, I still feel a little conflicted.