When a parent leaves unexpectedly, it can feel like the entire foundation of a home has cracked.

One teenager came home from school to find his mother in tears and his father gone without warning. But when his father asks for forgiveness, he’s not sure he’s ready to give it.

Read on for the full story!

AITA for not wanting to talk to my dad after he left my mom?

I (17M) came home from school and my mom was crying in the kitchen.

It turns out, something big was happening.

My dad (48M) had left that morning — not just for a break, but like, fully left. He told her he’s “not happy anymore” and packed a bag.

No warning, no signs, nothing. They’ve been married 20+ years.

So when his father tries to extend an olive branch, he’s not feeling so warm and fuzzy toward him.

He sent me a text saying he “hopes I understand” and that “he still loves me.” I haven’t replied. I don’t want to. I’ve been ignoring his calls.

He broke my mom’s heart, and it feels wrong to just act like nothing happened.

Now the rest of the family finds themselves divided.

Now my aunt (his sister) is messaging me saying I’m being cold and that “he’s still your father.” Yeah, maybe. But right now I’m just angry.

I know relationships end, but he walked out like it was nothing. I’m still living in this house. I see what he left behind.

AITA for ignoring him?

No one else gets to decide how fast he should process this heartbreak.

What did Reddit have to say?

Even if he was unhappy, there has to be a better way he could have gone about this.

He’s not just walking out the door — he’s shattering lives.

This commenter empathizes with how painful this process can be.

With decisions this big, his father owes everyone an explanation.

Some wounds need time (and silence) to heal.

He may be his father, but that doesn’t mean he gets a free pass.

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