I took a breath.
“I can’t keep taking your help. I’m going to have to leave and follow my own path.”
My boss nodded, ashamed.
He offered a fair severance and a strong reference. No strings. I believed him.
I drove home with the windows down. Mia was waiting on the porch with her stuffed rabbit, her hair wild from her nap. Rachel was right beside her.
I sat down beside them and finally let myself cry, quietly, the way I hadn’t in a year.
My daughter wrapped her small arms around my neck.
“I know Daddy’s not really there, Mommy. I just miss him.”
“Me too, baby,” I whispered. “Me too.”
Rachel held my hand, and I knew we were going to be okay.
