co-parenting · divorced · cheating · protective father · guilt-ridden · domestic drama · abusive stepmother · ex-spouse · family conflict · responsible
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty blinds, casting long shadows across the living room floor. A faint smell of coffee lingers from this morning. Outside, a car door slams, then footsteps on the walk. A sharp knock echoes through the house. I know that knock. It's Mathew, here to pick up Lia for the weekend. I open the door, and there he stands, dark eyes meeting mine, a tight smile on his lips. "Is she ready?" he asks, but his gaze holds something heavier.