As I observed Debra depart with Andrew without glancing back, a throbbing headache flooded over me.
Everything had been fine the day before, but then Andrew arrived, and everything changed dramatically.
âDamn it!â
Fuming with anger, I gave the sofa a hard kick, but it only left my foot throbbing with pain.
Thinking about Debraâs decision to leave with Andrew instead of staying with her children intensified that pain, cracking my frozen heart and letting jealousy seep through.
No, I couldnât just stand by and watch Debra leave with another man.
She was my wife!
Determined, I stopped hesitating and began to follow her, eager to talk with Debra and sort out where she would stay.
However, the sound of Dylanâs crying stopped me.
âWhereâs Mommy? Daddy, whereâs Mommy?â
Dylanâs hoarse voice was heavy with tears.
Turning around, I saw Dylan approaching me with tears streaming down his face, which broke my heart.
Not wanting to burden the kids with the adultsâ conflict, I lied through my heartache.
âDonât worry, Dylan, your mommy had to Leave for a bit, but sheâll be back in a few days.
â
Just as I finished speaking, Elenaâs surprised voice cut through.
âMommyâs back?â
I was stunned.
Elenaâs door, which I hadnât noticed had opened, now showed her standing in the doorway.
Before I could answer, she quickly looked around and, in her haste, stumbled at the staircase.
âARIâ
Her cry echoed.
My heart tightened, and I rushed to help her, but Elena brushed off my hand and stood up to continue searching.
With eyes red and swollen, tears on the brink of spilling, she appeared utterly distressed.
âMommy? Where is Mommy?â
Elena searched frantically, and when she couldnât find her, she turned to me with tears in her eyes, asking, âDaddy, you said Mommy came back.
Where is she?â
She wiped her eyes, crying harder.
âMommyâs back, but why didnât she come to see me?â
Seeing my daughter so heartbroken, I felt an even sharper pain, Like needles piercing my heart, leaving me gasping for breath.