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?"

works hard. If he does, he'll be able to make a

be back to visit me once he makes some money. I hope he makes money soon

something like that when you're older too, so don't

knew in my heart 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

had begun to think about issues beyond her age in her tiny heart. That was something I dreaded. I had hoped

knew that had become

say that

visited her, had known about the 'thoughts hidden in her heart.

the day she tried to entertain Atlas. It had become an

said, "Actually, it's

abroad. Everyone needs

he'll be able to see many things he can't see at home and learn many things he can't learn in

Her childlike voice was full

version of him when he comes back. Trust me, he'll definitely