There were difficult days, but they became less frequent.
Kelly continued asking me to return.
He sent messages promising that he had changed. He apologized to my family. He even wrote me a long letter explaining how ashamed he was of his behavior.
I read the letter once.
Then I put it away.
I didn’t hate him.
But I had learned that a person’s regret did not automatically make them safe to trust again.
He had to take responsibility for the harm he caused, regardless of whether I ever returned to him.
Eventually, he began attending counseling and took steps to address his financial problems. I hoped he would become a better person, but I no longer considered his progress a reason to resume our marriage.
Our separation continued while we worked through the appropriate legal and practical arrangements.
Then, one afternoon, Mama Grace called.
“Ella, I have news,” she said.
