fell asleep in the car, exhausted. When we got home, Mark carried him inside and put him to bed.
I found Mark in the kitchen afterward, staring out the window.
“Do you think she understands now?” I asked.
“I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. I’m not doing this for her. I’m doing it for Leo.”
“He’s going to need time to trust her again.”
“If he ever does. And I won’t push him.”
I wrapped my arms around my husband.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “For protecting them.”
“Always,” he said. “That’s my job.”
Three Months Later
Brenda has tried to rebuild the relationship. Slowly. Carefully.
She sends cards. Asks permission before visits. Brings small gifts.
Leo still won’t hug her. But he’ll sit in the same room with her now.
Lily forgave her faster. Kids are like that sometimes.
But the boundaries remain. Brenda is not on the pickup
