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,

to visit me once he makes some money. I hope he makes money soon so he'll be back earlier." Ava looked very concerned, which she

was being torn 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

matured and rapidly developed a mindset

something I dreaded. I had hoped she

that

say that children

fully agreed with that notion now. Since the last time Matthew visited her, had known

entertain Atlas. It had

said, "Actually,

your dad went abroad. Everyone needs to grow,

see at home and learn many

Her childlike voice was

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