Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Ava continued to sob as the car sped toward the hospital.She clutched Atlas’s shirt, afraid he would disappear if she let go.She gazed at him and could hardly breathe from crying so much.

I felt my heart shatter as her cries rendered me speechless.

My daughter had always been well-behaved and had never cried so hard before.

She kept shaking her head and repeating, "No!"

no matter how much I tend to comfort her.

Atlas held her and assured her, "I’m here now, so you don't need to be afraid anymore.Ava, look at me.I won't let you go, okay?"

I was in disbelief at the usually commanding Atlas being so tender and protective toward my daughter.

Although I was there, he showed no intention of letting her go.

Instead, he continued to soothe and hold her.

His usually indifferent expression now bore a look of fatherly love.

It filled me with gratitude and a sense of security.

My daughter hadn’t felt a dad's love for so long, making me feel guilty.

However, Atlas filled that gap in her heart even though he wasn’t her dad.

I felt moved as I leaned on Atlas’s shoulder.

I silently shed tears as I looked at Ava’s terrified expression.

She was still in shock when we reached the hospital.

a comprehensive examination

injuries

took her into my arms, and she clung

moment later, making me feel

and then took Ava into their

much effort, we

held Atlas’s neck and rested

the doctor advised us to try and cheer her up and provide some counseling to prevent psychological

were waiting when we returned

on the way to

and clung to Atlas

to her room as she gazed at everyone with vacant

if he was her

be afraid someone would take her I knew she must be

frightened and lost demeanor broke

my neglect that led my precious

and even refused

and quiet

for everyone not to disturb her

rang incessantly, and I faintly Atlas gestured for everyone not to disturb her and continued to stroke her

there was no trace of

chill ran down my spine when! thought about how

desperate when he jumped from

the bridge, possibly planning to use her as

man showed no regard for my daughter's life and threw

was a scene I would never

because he had repeatedly targeted me,