Beyond the Divorce

Her tone conveyed a hint of sorrow.

"Mom, why would you go back to Bibury when I'm here?" I asserted without any doubt. "It's just me. Wherever I am, you should be, too."

I spoke a bit urgently.

"And look at Dad, he's adapting so well to the weather and environment here. See how happy he is every day. He's busy but enjoying it. I feel like he's quite familiar with this place.

"On the other hand, he wasn't accustomed to the climate back in Bibury. I remember he used to get sick every winter. But since you guys came here, has he been ill at all?"

It was just something I mentioned casually, but I noticed my mom's expression was quite unnatural. I couldn't help but have a guess. Could it be...

At that moment, Ava ran out, and she joyfully ran over. "Uncle Atlas, Mommy, you're back!"

She rushed for hugs and kisses, asking Atlas to lift and spin her around.

Atlas did just that, and suddenly, the entire second floor felt like it was buzzing with excitement. I was speechless.

of person who doted on me and every member of my

my divorce from Matthew, Ava had lost that fatherly love and hadn't seen

always been by Ava's side,

equally. What Ava had, Jenny

my mom quickly hugged Ava and said, "You had something to discuss with Atlas, right? Go ahead and talk, then get some sleep early. I saw you almost falling asleep just now." I nodded. I did have

coaxed her, "Let's go. We're going to bed too. Your mommy has some things to

pouted. "Why do you always have so many things to do? Am I not important? You always have things

imitated her

find excuses." She

but to pick her up again. "Okay, no more excuses! Today, nothing is as

Jenny.

showed a hint of a smile on