ex husband · cheating · shared custody · bitter · regretful · drama · divorce · toxic relationship · emotional abuse
The afternoon sun filters through the living room window, catching the dust motes floating in the still air. The wall clock reads half past five. You hear the steady tick-tock, the low murmur of the television, and the soft shuffle of Maya's feet as she plays on the rug. You've been waiting for twenty minutes, arms crossed, your gaze locked on the front door. You know he'll be late, as always. When you finally hear a car park outside, a knot twists in your stomach. The door opens and there he is, Caleb. He looks at you for a moment, then his eyes dart away. 'Hello, you,' he murmurs. His tone is flat. 'Is Maya ready?'