“Are you leaving?” Ethan had asked, shocking me as he stopped before me, his puppy eyes staring at me. I swallowed a saliva and gave a small nod. “Yeah, it’s getting late”Emily looked concern as she listened to the interaction between her brother and me. “Are you afraid of the dark?”“No, why do you ask?”She gave a shrug, “Ethan get scared at night sometimes”Meghan looked conflicted, her eyes darting between her kids. As I sat in Meghan's cozy living room about two minutes later, a sense of warmth enveloped me. The room was alive with energy, vibrant with the laughter and playful banter of the children after I agreed to stay a bit more, not that I rather be anywhere else—Meghan watched from the sidelines, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia and something else I could not make out."I'll deal the cards," I announced, shuffling the deck with practiced ease. Ethan and Emily leaned in eagerly, their eyes bright with anticipation. They were excited to spend this time with me, and I felt

After being rebuffed once again by Meghan, I returned home to Trinity pack, seeking solace and a reprieve from the tumultuous emotions swirling within me. The encounter with Meghan had left me feeling hurt and confused, longing for answers that remained elusive. I decided to take a shower, hoping that the warm water would wash away the lingering anger and frustration. As the water cascaded over me, I closed my eyes, allowing the soothing sensation to calm my racing thoughts. Each droplet seemed to carry away a fraction of the turmoil that had consumed me, gradually easing the tension in my muscles. However, the emotional wounds remained raw, refusing to heal so easily. I had no idea what had happened at the end there, back in Meghan’s house. I did not know what sort of dynamic existed between us, and that made me frustrated and antsy. Coupled with the way she had suddenly rejected me, I did not know what she thought of me. I suddenly found myself wishing I had not met Meghan today

As I made my way home, I decided to take a detour to the mall. The events of the day had left me feeling a mix of emotions, and I hoped that a change of scenery would offer some solace. The crowded mall buzzed with activity, but my mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of recent encounters and the complexities they brought into my life.My mind was focused on completing my errands efficiently, eager to return home to my children. It had been too long since I had seen their bright smiles, and my heart yearned for their warm embrace.I made my way through the mall, the hubbub of shoppers surrounding me, but I couldn't shake off the heavy weight of the day's events. Thoughts swirled in my mind, a mix of emotions battling for dominance. The change of scenery provided a temporary respite, but deep down, I knew I had to confront the complexities that had infiltrated my life.Lost in my own thoughts, I suddenly feel a familiar presence nearby. My heart skipped a beat, and my gaze instincti

Lin's gaze shifted, his eyes fixated on a distant point in the park , “I lost her” he said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and longing. "It's been five years now. We were in a car crash, and I was the one driving. I lost her that day."A wave of empathy washed over me as I listened to his words, realizing the depth of pain he carried within him. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for inadvertently causing him to recount his painful past. Wanting to offer some form of solace, I decided to share my own story, hoping it would serve as a gesture of connection and understanding."I'm sorry, Lin," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to make you talk about something so painful."Lin offered a small smile, a mixture of gratitude and reassurance. "It's okay, Meghan," he replied, his voice filled with warmth. "Sometimes, it's cathartic to share our stories, even the painful ones. It helps us heal and find solace in each other's presence."Embarki

Maybe I was indeed being paranoid but I realized that a little too late of course, after I had confronted a lady who was about to pick up her son from school as well.“I’m so sorry ms. I must have mistaken you for someone else, please pardon me”I didn’t even wait for her reply before I quickly hurried back to my kids and drove off. Back on the main road and away from my anxiety and paranoia, I listened to their stories about their day, feeling grateful for their happiness and energy. Though I had a lot to think about, I couldn't help but feel that these moments with my children were the most precious part of my day. On our way home, the kids kept talking in hushed voices at the back seat. I wanted to ignore it but had to ask when I noticed Ethan pouting and staring at me through the mirror. "What's the matter honey?" I asked soothingly.He crossed his arms instead and Emily muttered under her breath. "Emily?" I called out, strictly this time. "Yes, mom." She answered reluctant