UNANNOUNCED VISIT

Leaving Ethan with the kids never sat right with me. While we were together, he was always too busy with work or other activities, leaving me to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of our children. Now that we were no longer living together, it felt even more unsettling to leave them in his care. With a sense of unease gnawing at me, I decided to go pick them up from his place.

As I got ready to leave, I found myself trying a little too hard to look my best. I chide myself for it, knowing that I was supposed to be angry with him, not trying to impress him. But old habits die hard, and I couldn't help but want to look my best, even if it was just for my own sake.

My best friend Amelia, who I was staying with now, suggested that I call Ethan first to make sure he was home before showing up unannounced. But I knew him well enough to know when he would be home, so I brushed off the suggestion and headed out.

As I drove towards his place, my heart raced with anticipation and trepida