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?"

"That depends on if he works hard. If he does, he'll be able to make a

he makes money soon so he'll be back earlier." Ava looked very

to go through something like

to Matthew. It seemed she had truly matured and rapidly developed a mindset beyond her years. That had probably started the moment she learned

her tiny heart. That was something I dreaded.

knew that had

that

last time Matthew visited her, had known about the 'thoughts hidden in her heart. She liked Atlas,

the day she tried to entertain Atlas.

said, "Actually, it's a

dad went abroad. Everyone needs to

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

voice

when he comes back. Trust me, he'll definitely come back. He loves you and he can't bear not to see