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?"

her eyes.

ever

the dining room, "Jenny, hurry up and eat! Mommy's taking

call, Jenny rushed out with her mouth still full. "Where are

a little adult, asked, "Have you

can go." Jenny skipped toward

with Atlas holding Ava and me

he left only after ensuring

was overjoyed to see Ava

my goodness, two

mom feels sorry that she hasn't taken us out for so long. So, she

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

a

worst thing Mommy and Uncle Atlas did recently. So today, I scolded them, and they said sorry. Uncle Atlas brought us

Kids these days

hair. "Go and

teasing her, "Then you can come