Greg stared at her as if she had betrayed him.
And in that moment, something finally became clear to me.
He wanted obedience.
Not honesty.
I picked up the photograph from the box.
It showed Greg and me outside the restaurant where we had our first date.
I had cut the photograph down the middle.
Greg remained on one side, smiling proudly.
I held my half.
“I spent years trying to become her again,” I said.
“I thought losing the woman you married was what caused our problems.”
I looked at Sophie.
“I was wrong.”
“She didn’t need to return.”
“She needed protection.”
I looked at Daniel and Lucy.
“And they need protection now.”
Greg whispered my name like a warning.
I didn’t stop.
“The children are staying with my sister for several days,” I said.
“I have arranged a place for us to live.”
“The children and I start family counseling on Monday.”
I paused.
“You can arrange individual counseling for yourself.”
“Any joint sessions will happen only if the counselor believes the children are ready.”
Greg looked stunned.
“You planned this?”
“Carefully,” I said.
He reached toward Sophie.
“Tell them I love you,” he begged.
“Tell everyone your father loves you.”
Sophie stepped back.
Claire picked up the red dress and handed it gently to her.
Sophie moved beside me.
Her shoulder touched mine.
“Then learn how to speak like you do,” she said.
We left together.
Sophie.
Daniel.
Lucy.
Claire.
And me.
In the parking lot, Greg called my name through the doors.
I kept walking.
Lucy slipped her hand into mine.
Daniel carried the white box.
Sophie carried the red dress against her chest without trying to hide it.
At my sister’s house, nobody knew where to sit at dinner.
We hovered around the table awkwardly until we were invited to sit.
My sister served pasta, bread and salad without comment.
When Lucy reached for seconds, she hesitated.
She seemed unsure.
Sophie quietly passed her the bowl first.
Slowly, meals became meals again.
