My daughter texted me, “Dad, mom’s been bringing men over while you’re deployed.” I answered, “Thank you for your honesty, sweetheart.” Three weeks ahead of schedule, I returned home—and made sure her mother’s secret stopped being a secret.

I stared at the screen for ten straight minutes. I sat in a dusty metal container, equipment humming around me, while my marriage fell apart through WhatsApp.

Haley: I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t want to tell you while you’re over there, but it’s been going on for weeks and I don’t know what to do.

Me: Thank you for your honesty, sweetheart. This must have been hard to tell me.

Haley: Are you mad at me?

Me: Never. You did the right thing. How are you handling this?

Haley: I stay in my room mostly. Put headphones on. Mom thinks I don’t know.

Me: And your brother?

Haley: Cody sleeps through everything. He’s only 10.