chapter 3
After leaving the office, I went straight to Tyler’s kindergarten to pick him up. As soon as he saw me, he said, “Mom, today is my birthday! Will Dad celebrate with me?”
On the crowded street, my eyes filled with tears. “Your dad—” Before I could finish, my phone buzzed. Matthew had finally replied. I’m free. I’ll come home.
A rush of joy hit me. I nodded eagerly. “Tyler, don’t worry. Your dad will come home today.”
Tyler clapped and jumped into my arms, thrilled. After six years of marriage, this was the first time Matthew had agreed to celebrate Tyler’s birthday.
That night, I prepared a full meal, and Tyler finished his homework early. One hour passed, then two, then three. I sent message after message to Matthew, asking if he was coming, but as usual, there was no reply.
Tyler seemed to understand. He looked at me hesitantly. “Mom, is Dad too busy?”
A sharp pain hit my chest. I wanted to explain, but no words came out. In the end, I said, “It’s okay. I’ll always be with you.”
Tyler didn’t ask further questions. He quietly picked up his birthday hat. “Mom, can you put it on for me?”