“This is why I didn’t tell you. You hear separation and immediately decide somebody failed.”
The call ended.
Angry, I pulled out a casserole dish, cheese, and an onion.
Halfway through chopping, I stopped.
Nobody had asked me to feed them.
I was trying to cover the problem with dinner.
I put down the knife and called Adam again.
He didn’t answer.
So I left a message.
“I made your marriage about what I believe before I asked what you’re actually living through. I’m sorry.”
I nearly added advice.
This time, I didn’t.
Three weeks later, I drove four hours for Sophie’s birthday.
Adam opened the door.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi.”
He gave me a quick hug, but it felt polite rather than warm.
“Tara’s out back.”
Outside, Sophie rushed over and hugged me while Ben sat at the table with his green backpack pressed against his chair.
