Beyond the Divorce

Dylan called right after dinner. Atlas answered with a few "yeahs" before hanging up.

Then he returned to the table, calmly finishing the meal with the family before saying, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back a little later."

I could tell by his demeanor that something important had come up.

I suggested, "Let's go together. I'll visit Lauren."

Ava wasn't too pleased and ran over to us, standing before us like a teacher. "You guys are always so busy. Can't you spend some time with me at home? You make me feel lonely!"

Aware of her loneliness, Atlas had already arranged for Jenny to keep her company. Yet, here she was, using loneliness to manipulate us.

We exchanged smiles, and Atlas bent down, picking up the little troublemaker.

In a gentle tone, he said, "I'm sorry. I know I'm wrong. I'll make sure to pay more attention to you next time."

"What about you, Mommy? Why aren't you sorry?" Ava looked at me solemnly, waiting for my response.

I quickly adopted a serious demeanor, telling her, "Alright, I'll be more mindful next time. Or...how about you and Jenny come with me for a little outing?"

Ava widened her eyes. "Really?"

I ever

and

Jenny rushed out with her mouth still

place!" Ava, acting like a little adult, asked, "Have you

full. We can go."

us went out together, with Atlas holding Ava and me leading Jenny. We cheerfully walked out of the

we reached Lauren's building. Watching us go upstairs, he left only after ensuring we were inside. His car

took the kids upstairs. Lauren was overjoyed to see Ava and

my goodness, two little

over. "Yeah, my mom feels sorry that she hasn't taken us out

laughter. "Haha... Feels sorry? Is this an attack on

a mistake,

and Uncle Atlas did recently. So today, I scolded them,

shrugged helplessly. Kids these days

her hair. "Go and play. Stop