Beyond the Divorce

Our unexpected return was met with exuberance from the entire family. Jim was quick to act and sent the driver to fetch the two little ones from school. It was a clear sign that Ava had really missed us. And of course, when she arrived at home, she joyfully shouted for us at the door. "Daddy! Mommy!"

With a forceful push, she barged in, her short legs moving frantically as she ran straight into my arms. "Don't you want us anymore, Mommy?"

I laughed, holding her tight. "Of course I do. I've missed you so much."

Atlas smiled mischievously, which made me question if he doubted my sincerity.

"Why were you gone for so long? What could be more important than me?" she playfully scolded. "You've taken Mommy's side, Daddy. You don't care about what I think at all!"

Her words elicited laughter from everyone. No one knew where she had learned to say that.

That night, she clung to me and adamantly refused to go back to her own room to sleep, which was unprecedented.

As she lay with me on the bed, she whispered that her dad had left for a foreign country. "He said he's going away to make money, Mommy. Do you think he can make money?"

depends on if he works hard. If he does, he'll be able to

money. I hope he makes money soon so he'll be

apart. "Don't worry. That's something he has to go through himself. You'll need to go through something like that when you're older too, so don't worry too much about him." Ava just looked at me, assessing the truth

that she still felt attached to Matthew. It seemed she had truly matured and rapidly developed a mindset beyond her years. That had probably started the moment she learned about the issues between me and

think about issues beyond her age in her tiny heart. That was something I dreaded. I had hoped she would be able to remain the carefree

I knew that

that

inevitably have psychological issues. I fully agreed with that notion now. Since the last time Matthew visited her, had known about the 'thoughts hidden in her heart. She liked Atlas, but it was

entertain Atlas. It had

earnestly said, "Actually, it's a

dad went abroad. Everyone

he can't see at home and learn many things he can't learn in Foswood. a better person in the

Her childlike voice was full of

a different version of him when he comes back. Trust me, he'll definitely come back. He