Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Dylan called right after dinner. Atlas answered with a few "yeahs" before hanging up.

Then he returned to the table, calmly finishing the meal with the family before saying, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back a little later."

I could tell by his demeanor that something important had come up.

I suggested, "Let's go together. I'll visit Lauren."

Ava wasn't too pleased and ran over to us, standing before us like a teacher. "You guys are always so busy. Can't you spend some time with me at home? You make me feel lonely!"

Aware of her loneliness, Atlas had already arranged for Jenny to keep her company. Yet, here she was, using loneliness to manipulate us.

We exchanged smiles, and Atlas bent down, picking up the little troublemaker.

In a gentle tone, he said, "I'm sorry. I know I'm wrong. I'll make sure to pay more attention to you next time."

"What about you, Mommy? Why aren't you sorry?" Ava looked at me solemnly, waiting for my response.

I quickly adopted a serious demeanor, telling her, "Alright, I'll be more mindful next time. Or...how about you and Jenny come with me for a little outing?"

widened her eyes.

I ever

"Jenny, hurry up and eat! Mommy's taking us out

call, Jenny rushed out with her

Ava, acting like a

can go." Jenny skipped

Ava and me leading Jenny. We cheerfully walked out

reached Lauren's building. Watching us go upstairs, he left only after ensuring

kids upstairs. Lauren was

two little

enthusiastically ran over. "Yeah, my mom feels sorry that she hasn't taken us out for so long. So, she brought

in the room burst into laughter. "Haha... Feels

there's a mistake,

today, I scolded them, and they said sorry.

Kids these

"Go and play. Stop

her, "Then you can come