《Forgotten Wife: My Ex-Husband Regrets It After I Left》 Sincerity 1 Sienna¡¯s POV ¡°I want to end the contract,¡± I said softly but firmly. I looked into my mother-inw¡¯s eyes¡ªMrs. Wilson¡ªwho sat across from me. Her gaze was sharp, but not angry. Just contemtive, like she was weighing something important. ¡°You once said that if Liam didn¡¯t fall in love with me within five years, the contract would be void, right?¡± I asked to confirm. She didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°I did say that, Sienna,¡± she replied calmly. ¡°But now you and Liam have Noah. You love that boy deeply. Are you really willing to let him grow up and see someone else as his mother?¡± I inhaled deeply, my chest tightening¡ªbut my answer was firm. ¡°Yes. I am.¡± Because the truth is, this marriage was always just a contract. Even Noah¡ªmy beloved little boy¡ªwas part of that agreement. And now, with Emily back, Liam no longer needs me. Noah doesn¡¯t seem to either. Five years I¡¯ve lived this life. From the outside, it looked beautiful¡ªperfect even. As if I was the luckiest woman to marry the heir of the Sinir family. But on the inside? Cold. Empty. Loveless. I used to believe that my sincerity could warm Liam¡¯s frozen heart. I was wrong. Mrs. Wilson stood up and went to her drawer. She pulled out a brown folder and handed it to me. ¡°There¡¯s one week left in your contract. Here are the papers. Sign it now. Next week, you¡¯ll be free from this family.¡± Without hesitation, I took the pen and signed thest page. No trembling hand. No tears. Just exhaustion and a long-overdue resolve. I left the Sinir mansion¡ªa grand ce that had felt more like a prison. The autumn wind hit my face as I opened my car door. A notification popped up. A photo from Noah¡¯s school. My hand trembled as I opened it. Liam was smiling, hisughter radiant¡ªsomething I hadn¡¯t seen in five years. Standing beside him was Emily, holding Noah¡¯s hand tightly like she belonged there. They were all wearing matching family sportswear. Outfits I had prepared for Noah¡¯s school event. But I wasn¡¯t there. I hadn¡¯t been invited. I hadn¡¯t even been considered. I bit my lip to keep the tears in. Emily hadn¡¯t just returned. She was recing me. Liam and Emily were once the golden couple¡ªhe, the heir to a fortune; she, a rising actress. Different worlds brought together by love. Until she left him for her career and broke him. I still remember that night. The media went wild over Liam¡¯s near-suicide. Meanwhile, I sat in a hospital waiting room, praying my father would survive surgery. My family was drowning in medical bills. That¡¯s when Mrs. Wilson made her offer: ¡°Help Liam recover. Marry him. Just for five years.¡± She would pay for my father¡¯s treatment. I said yes. I thought maybe love could grow. But when I first met Liam, I realized¡ªI had stepped into a frozen world. When Mrs. Wilson asked, ¡°Liam, will you marry Sienna?¡± he replied coldly, ¡°Whatever. No one matters but Emily.¡± That was the start of our marriage. A formality, nothing more. I tried. I stayed by his side when he was drunk. I managed his schedule. I cared for him. And slowly¡­ I fell in love. But Liam remained distant. He never even made our marriage official. Then came that night. He stumbled in, drunk. Looked at me with hazy eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s have a child,¡± he said. And foolishly, I thought things were changing. The next morning, I saw the news: Emily had just announced a new boyfriend. That night was nothing more than a distraction. Still, I got pregnant. Liam didn¡¯t oppose it. He even changed a bit¡ªbecame more human. I thought maybe we could build something real. Then Emily came back. She left her boyfriend and slowly returned to Liam¡¯s life. They were caught together on camera. Emily started showing up. Staying over. And I? I became a ghost. Liam, who once hated being photographed, now proudly printed pictures of himself, Emily, and Noah. Even my son changed. ¡°Mommy Emily,¡± Noah said one night. I couldn¡¯t sleep after that. That was the night I realized¡ªno matter how hard I tried, Liam would never love me. Thankfully, it was just a contract. One more week¡­ and I¡¯d be free. I picked up my phone and called the publisher who had once shown interest in my manuscript. Then I booked a one-way ne ticket. It was time to chase my dream. Time to be a writer. When I pulled into the driveway, a car slid into my usual spot¡ªEmily¡¯s. Inside were Liam and Noah. My fingers clenched the steering wheel. I watched them from a distance. They stepped out,ughing. Emily held Noah¡¯s hand tightly. They looked perfect. Without me. I took a deep breath. I gave them onest look. Then I turned away. No tears. No protests. Just silence. ¡°Oh, sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to take your parking spot. You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡± Sincerity 2 Sienna¡¯s POV As the car door opened, Emily stepped out first. The click of her heels against the driveway echoed with quiet confidence. Her smile was sweet, almost polite¡ªif only her eyes weren¡¯t undressing me in that irritating, condescending way. ¡°Oh, sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to take your parking spot,¡± she said, raising an eyebrow. Casual, yet I could sense the sarcasm behind her words. ¡°You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡± I was about to respond, but Liam¡¯s voice cut in from the other side of the car. His tone was t and cold, clearly aimed at me. ¡°This parking area doesn¡¯t belong to anyone. Anyone can park here. No one has the right to feel offended.¡± It was a silent warning. His eyes pierced through me¡ªfirm, as if I were the problem. Before I could breathe, Noah¡¯s voice rang out, cheerful and bright, but to me¡­ cutting deep. ¡°Aunt Emily, don¡¯t listen to Mommy. Her car is ugly anyway. I¡¯m embarrassed when she parks here.¡± I froze. My heart took a brutal hit. For the past four years, I¡¯d raised that child. I was the one who fed him during fevers, read him bedtime stories, kissed his forehead every morning. And now¡­ he could say that so easily? Liam didn¡¯t scold him. Instead, he smiled faintly and gently held Emily¡¯s arm. ¡°Come on, let me show you the room I prepared for you. It¡¯s right next to mine.¡± The words cut even deeper. Noah cheered. ¡°Yay! Now I have someone fun to y with! Aunt Emily¡¯s so cool! Not like Mommy, she¡¯s boring.¡± I stood still. No expression. Empty. Once, I would¡¯ve argued, gotten angry. But now¡­ what for? Liam finally turned to me. ¡°Emily¡¯s staying here for a while. Her lease expired, and¡­ I thought this was the best solution.¡± I nodded lightly. As if it wasn¡¯t me hearing those words. As if I wasn¡¯t the wife of a man who had just offered the room next to his to another woman. Liam looked slightly confused, probably not expecting my reaction to be so t. Maybe he wanted me to explode. But I was already drained¡ªshattered too many times to summon any rage. Emily spoke again, her voice feigning regret. ¡°Maybe I should just stay at a hotel. After all, Sienna is your wife. I¡¯m just an outsider.¡± Those words should¡¯ve hurt. But I felt nothing. It was Noah who reacted. ¡°Aunt Emily¡¯s not an outsider!¡± he protested. ¡°She was with Daddy first. If anyone¡¯s a stranger here, it¡¯s not her!¡± I almostughed. Bitterly. How easily roles can be reced¡ªeven in the eyes of a child I raised. ¡°I bought this vi for Emily,¡± Liam said without hesitation. ¡°She¡¯s part of my life. Of course I don¡¯t see her as an outsider.¡± Without waiting for my response, they went inside. Liam paused for a moment, reached into his pocket, and handed me something. Car keys. ¡°Help Emily get her luggage from the trunk.¡± I stared at the keys for a few seconds. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have hands of her own?¡± I asked tly. Liam looked at me, speechless. Maybe surprised. Maybe offended. I didn¡¯t care. My voice held no anger¡ªjust emptiness. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, I¡¯ll ask the staff¡ª¡± ¡°No need,¡± I cut him off. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± I took the keys without expression. No resentment. No surrender. Just a void too wide to fill. As I dragged the suitcase into the house, the scene in the living room hit me. Noah stood there, holding a small box, his face lit up with joy. ¡°This is for Aunt Emily!¡± he said proudly. Emily looked surprised. ¡°Noah¡­ is this¡­?¡± I recognized the box. It was one of the birthday gifts I gave him¡ªfive-gram gold bars, one for each year. Four in total. Not for their worth, but for the meaning behind them. A mother¡¯s love, a prayer that he¡¯d neverck anything. And now, he was giving them to another woman. ¡°I love Aunt Emily,¡± Noah said simply. ¡°She¡¯s pretty and nice. I want her to keep this.¡± Liam finally stepped in. ¡°Noah, that gift was from Mommy. You shouldn¡¯t just give it away.¡± But Noah insisted, ¡°But Aunt Emily¡¯s not just anyone! She¡¯s special to me! And anyway, it¡¯s just some gold, right? Our family isn¡¯t short on money.¡± Liam looked at me. Maybe expecting me to be angry. But I simply said, ¡°Let him. Noah¡¯s right. Those gold bars aren¡¯t worth much. If he wants to give them to someone he loves, that¡¯s his right.¡± Emily turned toward me, awkward. Liam looked like he wanted to say more, but I was already walking away. I left the suitcase in the hallway, climbed the stairs, entered my room, and quietly closed the door. Behind the door, I leaned back. The cold wall pressed against my back, but it couldn¡¯t cool the burn inside my chest. I closed my eyes. No tears. No sound. Seven more days. Just seven more. Then I would leave. Leave this house. Leave Liam. Leave Noah. All that would remain¡­ is me¡ªand the life I choose for myself. Sincerity 3 Sienna¡¯s POV That morning, I woke up early, as always. The sun hadn¡¯t fully risen, yet my mind was already drifting far. Five years living in this house with him¡ªand in all that time, we had never once shared a bed. Not because I didn¡¯t want to, but because Liam never truly epted me as his wife. And he had extreme hygiene habits¡ªeven the doorknob to his room couldn¡¯t be touched without his permission. After a shower and slipping into a simple outfit, I took the document I¡¯d prepared the night before and drove to thew office owned by my best friend, Liliana. She greeted me warmly, as always, but her smile faded the moment she saw my face¡ªlikely far too used to being drained of light. We sat in her office, and Liliana looked at me with a troubled gaze. ¡°So all this¡­ your rtionship with Liam, your closeness with Noah¡ªit was all just a contract?¡± I nodded softly. There was nothing to hide now. ¡°Oh my God,¡± she whispered, holding her breath. ¡°When I read those tabloids about you two, I feared you¡¯d actually fallen for that man. But to find out it was all an act¡­ I¡¯m slightly relieved.¡± She leaned back in her chair, visibly overwhelmed. ¡°So, what brings you here today? Want me to draw up divorce papers?¡± I gave a faint smile¡ªnot out of amusement, but bitterness. ¡°We never registered our marriage legally. There¡¯s no marriage to divorce.¡± Liliana fell silent. ¡°Then what?¡± ¡°I want you to help me draft a custody release form.¡± My voice was barely audible. ¡°I want to give up custody of Noah.¡± Her face changed instantly. She stared at me, stunned, as if I¡¯d just said something unforgivable. ¡°Sienna, are you insane? Everyone knows how deeply you love Noah. Why are you handing him over to Liam?¡± I held my breath, trying to bury the wounds where no one could touch them. But I knew¡ªmy eyes had betrayed me. ¡°Please, Liliana. I just need the document.¡± She didn¡¯t reply, only stared at me for a long moment, perhaps hoping to find a crack she could persuade. But she knew¡ªonce I decide, there¡¯s no going back. With a heavy sigh, Liliana began typing. Momentster, a printed pagey on the table. I epted it calmly, slid it into my bag without a word. As I stood to leave, she called out softly, her voice almost breaking. ¡°Sienna¡­ you¡¯ve given everything for the past five years, but he never really saw you. Please, from now on, give your goodness only to yourself.¡± I turned to her and smiled¡ªjust slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± When I returned to the vi, it was already ten in the morning. The grand house was silent. No smell of coffee, no sound of Noah running around. In the kitchen, the breakfast I¡¯d prepared earlier still sat untouched on the table¡ªnow cold. I put it in the microwave absentmindedly, then headed upstairs. As usual, I intended to wake Noah and Liam. I didn¡¯t know why I still followed this routine¡ªwhen deep down, I knew no one was really waiting. I stopped at Liam¡¯s bedroom door. I always knocked. Though we never shared a bed, I knew how much he hated people entering uninvited. But before my fingers touched the wood, the door opened on its own. Emily stood there. Her hair loose, pajamas hanging perfectly on her frame. She smiled as if nothing were out of ce. ¡°Oh, Sienna. I just came in to borrow the bathroom,¡± she said lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t know why, but my back¡¯s been sore since waking up.¡± I froze. My face must¡¯ve gone pale, but I said nothing. Didn¡¯t react. Secondster, Liam appeared behind her. His pajamas were rumpled, hair a mess. He looked startled to see me at the door. ¡°Emily just needed a power bank,¡± he said quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t think anything weird.¡± But I¡¯d seen it¡ªthe red marks on his neck. Kisses. Intimacy. In five years of marriage, he¡¯d barely touched me. Always kept his distance. But that distance didn¡¯t seem to apply to Emily. I took a breath, smiled faintly. ¡°Breakfast is ready. I¡¯ll head down first.¡± I didn¡¯t ask. Didn¡¯t demand an exnation. What for? It was just a contract. And that contract was ending in a few days. Five minutester, they joined me in the dining room. I was already eating the dumplings I¡¯d reheated. Noah wrinkled his nose. ¡°These dumplings were reheated? They taste bad. Mommy, I want your fried dough instead!¡± Liam tried to calm him. ¡°Noah, Mommy made this for us. Don¡¯t throw it away. She¡¯ll make fried dough tomorrow, okay?¡± ¡°No! I want it now!¡± Liam looked frustrated, but before he could speak, Emily chimed in sweetly. ¡°Sienna, I heard you¡¯re great at making fried dough. Mind if I try some too?¡± Liam turned to me. ¡°If everyone wants it, just make some, Sienna.¡± I kept my gaze on my bowl. Didn¡¯t look up. ¡°No,¡± I replied. My spoon clinked gently against the porcin. ¡°If you want to eat, cook it yourself. I made these dumplings this morning. If you don¡¯t like them, throw them out.¡± Silence. Liam looked at me as if seeing a stranger. Emily still smiled, though her expression stiffened. Noah huffed. I didn¡¯t care. For the first time, I didn¡¯t care. I wasn¡¯t trying to be the best mother. I wasn¡¯t trying to be the understanding wife. I was just¡­ being me. I scooped another bite of my dumpling. Cold. nd. But for the first time, it tasted real. Not an illusion. These past five years of marriage felt the same¡ªcold, nd, and never truly satisfying. Sincerity 4 Sienna¡¯s POV Liam went silent. I could feel it in the way he looked at me, as if he was still processing the words I had just said. All this time, I had almost never said ¡°no¡± to him. No matter how small orplicated his requests were, I always found a way to fulfill them. I was so used to pleasing others¡ªespecially him¡ªthat I forgot I, too, had limits. But today, I finally found that limit. Emily gave a small smile, trying to ease the tension like she always did. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to be a burden. I¡¯ve already troubled you enough by staying here. Hoping to taste your cooking on top of that¡ªI feel embarrassed.¡± She stood and walked toward the door. But before she could leave, a sharp little voice rang out. ¡°Mommy is mean!¡± Noah shouted, ring at me. He even smacked my arm lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t be mean to Aunt Emily!¡± My body stiffened instantly. Liam reached out for Emily¡¯s arm and looked at me like I was the cause of all the chaos that morning. ¡°You¡¯re still upset about this morning? Didn¡¯t I tell you Emily only came in to borrow a charger?¡± I looked at both of them. My face remained nk¡ªtoo tired to be angry. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well,¡± I replied calmly. ¡°My body¡¯s exhausted. I don¡¯t have the energy to cook.¡± Noah shot me a sharp look. ¡°Sick? Ew, why didn¡¯t you say so earlier! Aunt Emily¡¯s body is weak, you know. What if she catches your sickness?¡± I could barely breathe. The child I carried, gave birth to, raised with all my love¡ªnow worried more about a woman who only arrived a few weeks ago. Suddenly, I felt like a stranger in my own home. Noah had always been an angel, buttely, something had begun to change. Was I seeing my son less? Could that be a sign that Liam and Emily were bing a negative influence on him¡ªeven as they pretended to be understanding? Noah tugged on Liam¡¯s hand. ¡°Dad, we have to buy medicine for Aunt Emily. She can¡¯t get sick!¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, Noah,¡± Emily said gently, trying to calm him. But Liam was already looking at her with full concern. ¡°It¡¯s okay, let¡¯s listen to Noah. You remember how long it took for you to recoverst time? Better to be safe.¡± And just like that, they left. The three of them now looked like a perfect little family¡ªwithout me. I was still seated at the dining table, staring at the bowl of dumplings that had gone cold again. Full. Untouched. Just like my role in this house: prepared with love, yet unwanted. Slowly, I cleaned up the remains of breakfast and carried them into the kitchen. I dumped everything into the trash. Tasteless. But my heart was even more so. After all these years with them, I was still no one. Liam only knew me through a contract, and Noah¡­ even he now chose Emily over me. As I stood staring at the cold kitchen floor, my phone buzzed. A message from Liam. [We¡¯re at the supermarket. Pick us up now.] I stared at the screen without emotion, then grabbed the car keys. I didn¡¯t reply. I didn¡¯t ask. I just left. I parked not far from the supermarket¡¯s exit. From a distance, I could see Noah clinging to Emily¡¯s arm, grinning. ¡°Aunt Emily, I want ice cream!¡± Emily chuckled and pinched his cheek. ¡°If Noah wants it, of course Auntie will buy it.¡± I approached them slowly and spoke in a soft but firm voice. ¡°Noah, did you forget what the doctor said? Your stomach is still sensitive. Ice cream will make you sick.¡± Noah immediately whined. ¡°But I only want one¡­¡± Before I could exin further, Emily turned to me and responded casually, ¡°Sienna, if a kid wants ice cream, just give it to him. No need to be so uptight.¡± I looked at her, sharp. ¡°He¡¯s my son. His health is not yours toment on.¡± Just as I finished speaking, Liam arrived, pushing a shopping cart. His eyes immediatelynded on the three of us. He saw Emily and Noah¡¯s sulking faces, then looked at me. ¡°Emily just wanted to buy him ice cream. Why make a fuss?¡± I sighed. ¡°The doctor said Noah shouldn¡¯t have cold food until his stomach stabilizes. It¡¯s not the right time yet.¡± But Liam didn¡¯t listen. His eyes pierced through me. A gaze that once made me tremble, now only left me numb. ¡°If you keep being so rigid, he¡¯ll only grow more distant,¡± he said quietly but sharply. ¡°You could¡¯ve just said, ¡®One spoonful only, the rest Mommy will eat.¡¯ Done. But instead, you escte everything.¡± That sentence struck like a whip. Painful. Brutal. Undeniable. I stood frozen. In their eyes, I no longer mattered. Every kindness I¡¯d ever given now held no value. I wasn¡¯t just losing in love. Even in the one thing I tried hardest to protect¡ªNoah¡¯s health¡ªI still lost. I didn¡¯t reply. I just gave a faint smile. One that even felt unfamiliar to myself. Since Emily¡¯s return, everything changed. From a wife, I became a housekeeper. From a mother, I became a nanny. And now¡­ I was just an outsider. I turned around. The afternoon breeze brushed against my face as I walked toward the car. My steps were calm¡ªnot from peace, but because my heart had frozen. Inside the car, I sat still. Staring straight ahead. My left hand on the steering wheel, my right hand gripping the fabric of my skirt¡ªnow damp with cold sweat. Sincerity 5 Sienna¡¯s POV I stood a few steps behind them, trying to keep my distance from the little world they had built. A world where I no longer belonged. Emily stood in the center, nked by Liam and Noah. The little boy I had once raised with all my love now shouted loud and clear, ¡°Dad and Aunt Emily are the best! Not like Mommy, she¡¯s so stingy, won¡¯t even buy me ice cream!¡± His voice was loud enough to turn heads in the supermarket. Whispers started circling. Some looked at us, likely wondering¡ªwho¡¯s the real mother of that child? The elegant woman he clung to, or the quiet one standing alone in the back? I lowered my gaze. It felt like being stripped bare in public. That boy¡­ the one I cradled all night when he had a fever, the one I read stories to until he fell asleep, was now hugging another woman and calling me ¡°mean.¡± Liam said nothing. He let it happen. He allowed our son to humiliate me in public as if I meant nothing. Emily feigned concern, gently stroking Noah¡¯s hair. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, sweetheart. I¡¯ll get you an even better er.¡± My fists clenched tightly. I couldn¡¯t say a word. If I fought back, I¡¯d look jealous. If I stayed quiet, I¡¯d still lose. After shopping, Liam decided we¡¯d have lunch at a restaurant known for its spicy food. He phrased it like a suggestion, but everyone knew I never had a say. We sat down, and he immediately ordered a variety of spicy dishes. Only one menu item was for Noah¡ªscrambled eggs with tomato. No one asked what I wanted. No one cared. I felt like a ghost at that table. ¡°Liam, I can¡¯t believe¡­ after all this time, you still remember all my favorite dishes,¡± Emily said sweetly, lightly touching his hand. Liam gave a stiff smile and quickly served her, one dish after another. His every move so attentive, as if Emily was the only one who mattered. I looked down and quietly scooped in rice onto my te. Liam nced at me. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating the dishes?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t eat spicy food,¡± I said softly. He went quiet. Maybe he¡¯d just realized¡­ that in five years of marriage, he never even knew that simple fact. And yet I always cooked spicy meals for him, fed him, took care of him¡ªnever once did he ask if I liked them too. He looked awkward. ¡°Do you want me to order something else? What do you like? I can¡ª¡± ¡°No need,¡± I cut in. ¡°Just eat. I¡¯m fine.¡± And I really was fine¡ªif ¡°fine¡± meant I¡¯d given up hopepletely. Then someone from the table next to us pointed in our direction. ¡°Wait¡­ is that Emily? And you¡¯re Liam? Oh my God! You two are that viral couple, right?¡± Emily smiled sweetly and nodded. ¡°I¡¯m such a fan of your love story! Five years apart and now you¡¯re back together¡­ it¡¯s like a K-drama! Is it true you¡¯re dating again?¡± I lifted my eyes to look at Liam. He nced at me¡­ only briefly. Then his gaze shifted back to Emily. And there it was¡ªhis choice. ¡°Yes,¡± he answered. I wasn¡¯t even surprised. Maybe that was the most painful part. ¡°True love is real! You¡¯re living proof!¡± the fan gushed. Emily added softly, but clearly, ¡°Back then, I was the one who took Liam for granted. But this time, I¡¯ll learn to love him the right way.¡± She looked at Liam meaningfully. And Liam¡­ smiled. I lowered my gaze again. The rice on my te was getting cold. Like my heart. After the person left, Noah cheered, ¡°If Dad and Aunt Emily are back together, can I change Mommies?¡± The words hit me like a storm. But I didn¡¯t say anything. I didn¡¯t even flinch. Liam quickly covered Noah¡¯s mouth. ¡°He¡¯s just a kid. Don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± I stared at my empty te. There was nothing left to take to heart. That heart had long been broken. ¡°I only said that earlier to protect Emily¡¯s reputation. You understand, right?¡± he said. I nodded. ¡°I understand. You don¡¯t need to exin anything.¡± My calmness made Liam ufortable. But I had no energy left to soothe his ego. ¡°Sweetheart, eat up,¡± Emily said as she fed Noah. ¡°Your food¡¯s getting cold.¡± Liam chuckled softly. I said nothing. To them, it was as if I wasn¡¯t even there. After the meal, we walked toward the parking lot across the street. The midday heat pressed down, heavy and suffocating. I walked behind them, like a shadow. Suddenly, a loud honk broke the air. A car sped from the corner. Liam pulled Emily and Noah onto the sidewalk. But he didn¡¯t see me. I was still in the middle of the road. A loud thud. Screeching tires. My body was thrown onto the asphalt. Everything went ck. My body trembled with pain. My breath came in short gasps. I tried to speak, but my lips only moved without sound. ¡°Sienna!¡± Liam shouted. He rushed to me¡ªyes, finally. He looked panicked. ¡°Are you okay? We need to get you to a hospital, now!¡± My hand moved slowly, touching his arm. Not to ask for help, just¡­ to let him know I was still conscious. But then, Noah¡¯s voice cut through everything. ¡°Dad! Aunt Emily¡¯s about to faint! Hurry,e here!¡± Liam turned. Emily stood under a tree¡¯s shadow, looking pale, catching her breath. And that was the test. Iy there on the asphalt, weak and hurt. But no hand came back for me. No hurried steps returned. I remained there, waiting. And this time, no one came. Sincerity 6 Sienna¡¯s POV The moment Noah shouted, I saw Liam panic. His eyes immediately searched for Emily, who looked pale and trembling. In an instant, all his attention shifted to her¡ªas if I, lying helpless on the pavement, no longer existed in his sight. ¡°I¡¯m okay¡­¡± Emily whispered shakily, her body visibly trembling. ¡°I just¡­ I¡¯m scared of blood. Phobia. Don¡¯t worry about me. Sienna¡­ she¡¯s the one who needs help.¡± Those words should have moved me. But it all crumbled when I heard Noah¡¯s voice¡ªsharp and full of certainty. ¡°Auntie Emily, your face is so pale! Dad, take her to the hospital, quick! Mom¡¯s just pretending to be hurt to steal your attention from Auntie!¡± I froze. Not from the pain in my body, but from the stab in my chest that hurt far more. That child¡­ my own son¡­ thought I was just a nuisance. Liam stood stiffly, his gaze shifting from Emily¡¯s pale face to my broken figure on the ground. But when Emily let out a soft whimper¡ªwhether from fear or something else¡ªI knew I had lost. Liam helped her up, gently lifting her toward the car. As they passed me, he covered Emily¡¯s eyes, as if I were something too disgusting to look at. Before getting into the car, he turned and said quietly, ¡°Emily can¡¯t look at blood. She¡¯s too fragile. I¡­ I called an ambnce. They¡¯ll be here soon. Just hang on, okay?¡± Just hang on, okay? Just like that, I was left behind. Again. Their footsteps faded. The car door shut. And the world fell silent again. I looked up at the sky. Too bright. But my vision was blurry. I wanted tough¡ªbut instead, blood dripped from the corner of my mouth. Warm and salty. The ambnce arrived. Faintly, I heard someone speak. A paramedic, maybe. ¡°Damn. She¡¯s bleeding, and they just left her like that?¡± *** I opened my eyes. The sharp scent of antiseptic greeted my nose. Everything was white and still. I was in the hospital. My body felt heavy. Sore. Every small movement felt like it tore something inside me. A male doctor walked in, ncing at the chart in his hand. ¡°You have a mild concussion and some abrasions. Nothing serious, but we rmend a four-day stay for recovery.¡± I nodded. There wasn¡¯t much to say. The physical pain¡­ somehow felt lighter than the wounds no one could see. The ones that kept throbbing relentlessly. After the doctor left, I stared at the ceiling. Eleven more days until my contract with Liam ended. Once I left this hospital¡­ I¡¯d have only seven days left. Seven days to freedom. But even that hope felt fragile when I overheard two nurses gossiping outside my room. ¡°Hey, did you hear? Emily¡¯s also being treated here. I saw her being carried in by her boyfriend¡ªLiam, right?¡± ¡°Oh my god, she¡¯s so cute! Liam even called in a specialist for her and booked the VIP room! Like a K-drama!¡± I lowered my head. My hands clenched the nket. Cold. Not from the room¡¯s temperature, but from my frozen heart. I stood up. Slowly. Even though every step felt like walking on knives. I followed the signs toward the VIP rooms, leaning against the wall. Through the slightly open door, I saw them. Emily sat gracefully on the hospital bed, her face tired but peaceful. Noah sat beside her, holding her hand tightly. And Liam¡ªfeeding her porridge with tender care. His gaze¡­ so warm. So gentle. A gaze I never once received, not even after five years of marriage. I stood at the doorway like a stranger. Like an outsider spying on someone else¡¯s happiness. A passing nurse let out a soft chuckle. ¡°They¡¯re the perfect couple, huh? Liam was totally panicked earlier, almost crying. Looks like all those rumors about their love story might be true.¡± I offered a faint smile. ¡°Yeah. They looked really happy.¡± Then I returned to my room. Slowly. Since the ident, not a single message hade through. My phone was silent. No word from Liam. Not even from Noah. No one asked how I was doing. Except for one notification¡ªan email. A reminder that the deadline for an international writingpetition was near. I stared at the screen, then pressed the call button. ¡°Liliana, could you please bring myptop to the hospital?¡± Not long after, Liliana arrived and handed it to me. The following days, I spent writing. For the first time in five years, I returned to myself. Not as someone¡¯s wife, not as a mother clinging to the remnants of love, not as a shadow swallowed by wounds. I wrote. Endlessly. In the neutral, quiet air of the hospital room, I felt free. I even turned off my phone and wentpletely offline. I hade home¡ªto my own world. By dawn on the fourth day, a nurse came in with a bright smile. ¡°Congrattions, Mrs. Sienna. Your test results look good. You¡¯re allowed to go home today.¡± I looked out the window. The sky was clear. The air felt light. I had finished my manuscript. And I had closed a dark chapter of my life. When I turned my phone back on, the screen instantly filled with over 99 unread messages and missed calls. All from Liam. But for the first time¡­ I didn¡¯t rush to read a single one. I stood silently at the doorstep, gazing at the yard that once felt familiar¡ªnow¡­ it felt like a stranger¡¯s. In my hand, the manuscript I had written over the past four days was tightly held¡ªa silent witness to those quiet days in the hospital. Four days without a single warm message from my husband or child. Only dozens of missed calls from Liam¡­ that came when everything was already nearly toote. As I stepped inside, one of the housemaids greeted me with a look of relief. ¡°Mrs. Sienna! You¡¯re finally home. While you were away, Mr. Liam was like a lost man. Nothing tasted right to him.¡± I gave a faint smile. So that was why he kept calling? Not because he was worried. But because¡­ his appetite was affected. I slowly took off my shoes, ced them neatly on the rack, and walked into the living room. There, I saw Liam sitting on the sofa, hunched over, his face weary. As soon as his eyes met mine, his expression changed drastically. ¡°Sienna?¡± He stood up quickly and came toward me. ¡°Where have you been? I called so many times! Why didn¡¯t you answer?¡± Sincerity 7 7 Sienna¡¯s POV Liam stood not far from me, ring with a mix of anger and frustration, asking where I had been. Had he forgotten what had happened to me just a few days ago? I took a deep breath, exhausted, and let out a soft sigh. ¡°I just got out of the hospital¡­ because of the ident,¡± I said quietly, staring at him with deep disappointment. Liam paused for a fraction of a second. But not to process my words¨Conly¡­ surprised. Instead of instinctively apologizing, he asked impatiently, ¡°What did the doctor say? You¡¯re fine, right? Why were you in the hospital for so long?¡± I looked at him. Deeply. For the first time, I truly looked at the man who used to be my husband¨Cnot with eyes searching for affection, but for rity. Then Iughed. Bitter. Hollow. Augh that stabbed through my chest. ¡°Too long, huh?¡± I whispered. ¡°Maybe the injury on my head wasn¡¯t that bad. But maybe¡­ the wounds you can¡¯t see are worse, Liam¡± He said nothing. No denial. No apology. Because to him, this was only about ¡°Why did you take so long?¡°, not ¡°Why wasn¡¯t I there for you?¡± Tiny footsteps echoed from the stairs. ¡°Noah!¡± I called out instinctively. Noah came down with his hair messy and wearing his favorite t¨Cshirt. His eyes lit up when he saw me¨Conly to turn into a frown of anger momentster. ¡°Mommy!¡± he whined as he rushed toward me. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. I want to eat now!¡± I bent down slightly, wanting to touch his cheek. But he pulled away. ¡°Mommy just got back from the hospital, sweetheart. I¡¯m still very tired. Can you wait a bit?¡± ¡°No!¡± he screamed. ¡°Mommy¡¯s mean! Mommy doesn¡¯t love me anymore! If you loved me, you¡¯d make me food right away!¡± I froze. My t tongue is stuck. The words were there, waiting to exin everything, but my mouth refused to move. Slowly, I turned my head. Liam was still standing there, not even trying to step in. And Emily¡­ stood a few steps behind, partially hidden by the dining room wall. Her face was calm. A faint smile ying on her lips¡­ as if she was enjoying every second of this. Their eyes¡­ empty. Not one of them stood up for me. I looked down. Then slowly nodded. ¡°Alright¡­ Mommy will make you something to eat,¡± I whispered to Noah. ¡°Wait in the dining room, okay?¡± (1 Without waiting for anyone¡¯s response, I turned and walked toward the kitchen. My steps were slow. But steady. The manuscript I had been gripping so tightly¨CI ced it on the kitchen counter, gently. As if it were something sacred. Let them see it. Let them ask had happened. Because in this house¡­ pain isn¡¯t real until someone leaves for good. I haven¡¯t left. Not yet. But soon. And when that dayes, I will never look back. The smell of ck pepper beef began to fill the entire kitchen. Thin smoke rose from the pan, briefly clouding my vision. My hands moved steadily, adding oyster sauce, pepper, a touch of sweet soy sauce. I had already moved the soy¨Czed chicken to a small te with a dinosaur print¨CNoah¡¯s favorite since he was a toddler. The color was still vibrant. But the sweet memories attached to it¡­ had begun to fade. Sweat clung to my temples. My legs trembled from standing too long. But I had to finish. At the very least, they¡¯d eat dinner tonight. I knew I should be resting. My body wasn¡¯t fully healed yet. But in this house, exhaustion meant nothing. Here, I still had to be the mother. The wife. The servant who must never be wrong. Even when my world was falling apart inside me. Once everything was ready, I set the table. The ck pepper beef in the center. Stir¨Cfried green beans beside it. Warm soy¨Czed chicken specially for Noah. I arranged the spoons and forks neatly, filled the water sses to the brim. Habits I still maintained, even as they slowly lost their meaning. ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.. It didn¡¯t take long before everyone arrived. Footsteps echoed from the living room. Noah came first, running over and hopping onto his chair with a cheerful look. I was about to sit next to him, like I always did. My ce. My seat as Mommy. But Noah¡¯s small hand gently pushed me away. ¡°Don¡¯t sit here, Mommy!¡± he said quickly. ¡°I want to sit with Auntie Emily,¡± he added in a louder voice. I froze on the spot. Emily appeared shortly after, her steps light, her smile warm¨Cbut fake. She casually sat in in the empty seat next to Noah, greeting him with a soft voice. ¡°Oh, you want Auntie to sit here? Gosh, you¡¯re just the sweetest, Noah,¡± she said, ruffling his hair. I didn¡¯t know how to react, Angry? Protest? What for? All I saw was Liam at the end of the table, eyes fixed on his food, pretending nothing had happened. I took a breath, swallowed the lump in my throat, and sat down on the chair next to him. A chair I never used. Far from the ce where I used to belong I looked at my te. The ck pepper beef 1 had cooked with thest of my strength looked appetizing. But my tongue was numb. My stomach churned. My body only wanted to copse. Sincerity 8 Sienna¡¯s POV Liam tasted a piece of meat, chewing slowly. He swallowed. Then took another bite. And another. But not a single word left his lips. No ¡°This is good.¡± No ¡°Thank you.¡± Not even a simple, ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± I lowered my gaze, stabbing a small piece of chicken with my fork. My hand trembled. Not from hunger. But because¡­ not one of them knew how hard I had fought today just to make it back. Emily was busyughing with Noah, helping him reach the sauce. Noahughed too, feeding her a tiny bite of soy¨Czed chicken. ¡°Is it good, Auntie?¡± he asked eagerly. ¡°So delicious! Noah¡¯s mommy is such a great cook,¡± she replied with a quick nce in my direction. Her smile was sweet, but¡­ there was something in her eyes. Something that said, ¡°See? I¡¯m the one he chooses now.¡± I wanted to swallow it all¨CThe food, the disappointment, the hurt. But my throat felt sealed shut. There was no taste left. Only bitterness slowly filling my mouth. I tried to gulp, hoping it would wash away the sourness. But it was no use. Today, I came home. And I was received like a guest. As if I had never lived in this house. As if my ce had already been quietly moved aside. And all of them¡­ epted it without missing me at all. Suddenly, a wave of nausea surged up from my stomach, unstoppable. My hand gripped the edge of the table, my breath uneven, and before I could say a word, I leaned forward and turned my face away. The sound of a stifled gag filled the air. Everything fell silent. I shot up from my seat, covering my mouth with one trembling hand. The scent of the food that had once smelled so inviting now made my stomach turn. My body shivered. I tried to walk quickly to the small sink near the kitchen, but- ¡°SIENNA!! Liam¡¯s voice rang out behind me, loud and sharp. It cut through the air like a de,ced with fury. I froze in ce, trembling. I could feel every eye in the room now locked on me. Even Emily had gone quiet, though probably savoring the chaos in silence. ¡°Have you no manners?!¡± Liam shouted. ¡°This is a family dinner, and you act like that? Disgusting!¡± I couldn¡¯t move. My eyes burned. I just wanted to exin, to tell him I had forgotten to take my anti¨Cnausea meds. That my body wasn¡¯t strong yet. That I had just been discharged from the hospital. Bub Before I could speak, a small voice pierced the air. And it hurt more than all the others. ¡°Mommy¡¯s gross!¡± Noah yelled. He stood up abruptly, his small hand knocking his te and spilling some sauce onto the tablecloth. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna eat anymore!¡± His footsteps echoed as he stormed out of the dining room, followed by the loud m of his bedroom door. The night sky peeked through the slightly parted curtains. The glow from a streemp cast a faint light across the bedroom floor, painting the room in a somber, dim hue. The ticking of the clock echoed softly- the only sound, aside from the unsteady rhythm of my own breathing. I opened the bedroom door slowly. My legs felt heavy, as if each step was a cruel reminder of how unwell my body truly was. The lingering scent of food clinging to my clothes made the nausea return, even though my stomach was nearly empty. Once the door was shut again, I sat on the edge of the bed. My hands were trembling as I stared at the manuscript I had been holding onto so tightly. My handwriting was a mess, but every page held pain, confusion, and¡­ a faint sliver of hope. Maybe a form of escape from a life I no longer had control over. I ced the manuscript gently on the small table beside the bed, then turned my gaze to the wall calendar. One more week. Seven days. With a red pen, I marked the date. The day I would leave. I drew in a deep breath, and for the first time today, I spoke aloud to myself. ¡°Hold on, Sienna. Just seven more days. Endure it. Get through it, even if it feels like it¡¯s cutting through bone. You have to walk out of this house as a strong woman.¡± My hand reached for the bottle of pills still sitting on the table. Anti¨Cnausea medication. The one I forgot to take¨Cbecause I was too busy cooking for people who didn¡¯t even bother to ask how I was. My eyes fell on those tiny pills¡­ and my chest tightened all over again. I should have taken care of myself, should have focused on healing¨Con filling my heart with the strength to leave. But what I did today¡­ I hurt myself even more deeply. I lowered my head, covering my face with both hands. Tears finally slipped through¨Cnot because of Liam¡¯s harsh words, not because of Noah¡¯s heartbreaking outburst, not even because Emily had taken my ce. But because I felt like I had vanished from their world. I wasn¡¯t a mother in Noah¡¯s eyes. I wasn¡¯t a wife in Liam¡¯s. I was just a shadow. A silhouette. I drank a sip of water and swallowed the pill slowly. The bitterness clung to my tongue but still¡­ not as bitter as the wound now carved into my chest. Sincerity 9 It took a while before I moved from the bed. This room was too quiet, too empty¡­ but it was the only ce where I could breathe without feeling like a broken doll constantly being shattered. I turned on the deskmp and sat down at my writing desk. I took a deep breath and reached for myptop. The screen lit up, casting a pale blue reflection on my face. I opened a new document, my fingers still trembling- I stared at the nk screen for a moment. What did I want to write tonight? About a woman who keeps trying to love, even when all she receives is rejection? Or a mother who tries to understand her child but is never understood in return? Or¡­ about wounds no one can see¨Cwounds that slowly devour the soul? My fingers began to move. Letter by letter, the screen filled with words. Chaotic. Imperfect. But they were exactly what my mind held tonight. Sentences flowing from wounds too full to contain. [She sat in the dark. Silence curled beside her like an old friend. Outside, the world slept peacefully. But her mind refused rest- for all she could feel was emptiness. A silence that screamed without sound.] I kept typing without pause about my protagonist, a woman who lost herself in her role as wife and mother. About how she buried all her desires for the sake of love only to lose that love in the end. The writing felt like therapy. As if I were pouring out everything I¡¯d never been able to say to Liam, or Noah, or Emily¨Cwho had quietly taken my ce. I wrote until the seconds turned to hours. Until the silence turned into dawn. Until the ache in my back forced me to stop. But my heart felt a little lighter. Because in the middle of this long, painful night¡­ I realized something. I could still create something. Something that wasn¡¯t about them but about me. About Sienna. About a woman finally choosing to stand in her own name. Tonight wasn¡¯t just a night full of wounds. It was also a night where, piece by piece, I began to form new wings. I couldn¡¯t fly just yet. But at least¡­ I¡¯d started to sew them. A loud knock jolted me awake. Pain immediately pulsed through my forehead. I had only been asleep for about an hour after writing all night. The world felt blurry as I opened my eyes. My breath was still heavy, my body still weak but the knock came again, louder this time, more demanding. I got up, head spinning. Each step toward the door felt like dragging chains. When I opened it, I saw Liam standing there. Neat. Fresh. Wearing his usual work suit. His gaze sharp¨Cjust like always. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked softly. My voice was hoarse. My body refused to stand upright. Liam crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°Did you forget what time it is? It¡¯s already seven, Sienna. Why in the room? 18 Why haven¡¯t you made breakfast?¡± I went silent for a moment, trying to push through the ringing in my head and the lingering nausea from the night before. I nced at the clock. He was right. It was already ten past seven. But suddenly, something inside me lit up. ¡°Why don¡¯t you make it yourself?¡± My voice was quiet¨Cbut sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t you know I¡¯m sick? Or are you just pretending not to?¡± His eyes narrowed. But I wasn¡¯t done. ¡°I didn¡¯t eat anythingst night. Just standing makes me feel like copsing. And yet here you are, demanding breakfast like I¡¯m your maid. Can you really not survive a single morning without someone waiting on you?¡± I looked him straight in the eye, and I knew¡­ His face showed it¨Csurprised. Stung. This wasn¡¯t the Sienna he knew. Not the Sienna who apologized even when she wasn¡¯t wrong. Not the Sienna who stayed silent when she was hurt. For the first time¡­ I didn¡¯t choose silence. But before Liam could respond, the world suddenly spun. And everything disappeared. I blinked. My breath caught. I was still in my room. The door hadn¡¯t been opened. My body still sat in the chair,ptop screen glowing softly in front of me. The deskmp cast a faint yellow light. My fingers were still hovering over the keyboard. Oh God¡­ It was all in my head. A scene. A manuscript. Imagination¨Cthinning at the edges of reality. Then, the knock came. This time¡­ it was real. I knew it because my heart jumped in response. ¡°Sienna?¡± Liam¡¯s voice called from the other side of the door. I turned toward the clock. 7:05 AM. Reality wasn¡¯t all that different from fiction. I swallowed hard, slowly stood up, and opened the door. There he was¨CLiam. Just like in my imagined scene. Neat. Cold. Indifferent. ¡°Haven¡¯t you had breakfast yet?¡± I asked tly. Liam scoffed, arms folded across his chest. ¡°If you know that, then why haven¡¯t youe down and made it?¡± he said, the sarcasm cutting straight to my chest. His gaze drifted into the room¨Ctoward the desk, the still¨Clitptop. His brows creased slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve started writing again?¡± he asked. I turned to face him slowly. ¡°Why? Does writing require your permission too?¡± He didn¡¯t tanswer. Just turned his face away with a quiet sigh, then said, ¡°Just make the breakfast. I have to leave soon.¡± I closed the door, my heart heavier than before. But even within the sting of it all, I realized something- I still had a voice. And someday¡­ I would use it louder than this. Sincerity 10 Sienna¡¯s POV The smell of toasted bread filled the kitchen, blending with the aroma of omelet and saut¨¦ed vegetables. My hands moved on autopilot, but my mind felt nk. My body was still wrecked¨Conly an hour of sleep after a long night. But as always, there was no time for being sick. No space for rest. I flipped the bread, checking the color. Then I poured the egg mixture into the second pan. It sizzled softly, weing the heat the way I weed this morning¨Cgrudgingly. The wall clock showed 7:25 a.m. Liam would leave soon. Noah usually came down right after. And me¡­ I would be a shadow among them, like always. Present, but barely noticed. I grabbed the tes and began arranging breakfast. One for Liam,plete with fruit slices. Another for Noah, with heart- shaped toast I had cut with a tiny mold¨Ca habit I hadn¡¯t quite let go of. Maybe because deep inside, I still had a flicker of hope that someday, my son would remember who I was. As I was about to set the tes on the table, I heard footstepsing down the stairs. Heavy and firm. Liam. He appeared in the kitchen doorway, eyes scanning the table without expression. ¡°Quick,¡± he muttered, picking up the jacket he¡¯d hung over a chair earlier. I didn¡¯t respond. Just nced briefly at him, then went back to cing the utensils. ¡°Hot tea?¡± I asked quietly. ¡°No.¡± He sat down and began eating the toast, never once looking at me. I inhaled deeply, trying to suppress the sting rising in my chest. This wasn¡¯t the first time. But it still felt like a wound being scraped open again and again¨Cnever healing, always fresh. I sat at the edge of the table, not nning to eat. Just staring at the empty cup in front of me. I couldn¡¯t swallow anything this morning. Even water felt heavy. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to clean the floor. Noah spilled juice yesterday.¡± A lightugh made me turn. At the dining table, Noah was already seated with Emily. My little boy cheerfully while pointing at something on his tablet, and Emily met each of his words with a warm smile and full attention. The kind of moment I should¡¯ve cherished¨Cif only I wasn¡¯t the stranger in this house. ¡°Noah, have more breakfast, okay?¡± I said gently, trying to smile. ¡°I made your favorite¨Choney¨Cfried chicken.¡± Noah only nced at me, then returned to chatting with Emily. As if I¡­ was the intruder. ¡°Mommy¡­¡± Noah suddenly said, ¡°My teacher said a parent has toe to school today for thepetition.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± I replied, smiling though it was tight. ¡°Then Mommy wille, okay?¡± Noah immediately looked up. His expression changed. From neutral to annoyed. ¡°No! I don¡¯t want Mommy toe!¡± he snapped. I was stunned. ¡°Why? I-¡± ¡°I want Auntie Emily toe!¡± he cut me off, voice raised. ¡°She¡¯s cooler! She knows all about tech, can y games, and my friends like her better!¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°But Emily has work today, sweetheart¡­¡± 13 Emily, who had stayed quiet, finally spoke in a gentle tone, ¡°Sorry, Noah. Auntle Emily can¡¯t today. I have work. You¡¯ll have to go with Mommy, okay?¡± Noah threw a fit. He mmed the tablet on the table. ¡°No!! I don¡¯t want to go with Mommy! I hate Mommy! Mommy¡¯s mean! Mommy¡¯s ugly! I don¡¯t want her toe!!¡± That voice, those words¨Ccut deeper than I could handle. As hard as I tried to stay calm, I couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. ¡°Noah, enough! Don¡¯t speak to Mommy like that!¡± I snapped¨Cmy voice raised for the first time. Noah froze. Just for a second. Then screamed louder. ¡°I hate Mommy!!!¡± Shaking, he ran to Emily, who quickly leaned down and scooped him into her arms. She gently stroked his head, casting me a look like I was a monster who had just terrified her child. ¡°Shh¡­ it¡¯s okay, sweetie. It¡¯s okay¡­ Mommy¡¯s just tired,¡± she said softly, like calming a frightened child. Noah stayed curled in herp, his tiny face buried in her shoulder, his body trembling with quiet sobs. Meanwhile, I stood frozen in the kitchen doorway, still holding the te I never got to set down. My chest felt like it was being slowly crushed. I couldn¡¯t move. Couldn¡¯t speak. Noah¡¯s words kept echoing inside my head. ¡°I hate Mommy¡­¡± Words no child should ever say. Words thatshed across the heart like a whip¨Cdeep and merciless. Emily looked at me for a moment. Her eyes calm. No anger¨Cbut no empathy either. ¡°Let me take care of Noah this morning,¡± she said. ¡°You still don¡¯t look well.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t look like you¡¯ve recovered.¡± That line wasn¡¯t sympathy. It wasn¡¯t concern. It was just a confirmation¨Cthat I was weak, that I wasn¡¯t capable, that I wasn¡¯t needed. +ID BUNUS I swallowed hard and gently set the te down on the table, careful not to make a sound, as if even the smallest noise might spark more reasons for them to hate me. Then came the heavy footsteps down the stairs. Liam.. He stood in the kitchen doorway with that firm expression, his gaze sharp and usatory, aimed directly at me. ¡°You yelled at him?¡± he asked, his voice edged with judgment. I looked at him, still catching my breath, still trying to calm the storm inside my chest. ¡°He crossed the line, Liam¡­ I just ¡± Sincerity 11 Sienna¡¯s POV ¡°You shouldn¡¯t yell at your own child, Sienna.¡± That was it. No questions. No context. No one on my side. I gave a small nod. My back felt heavy, and my fists clenched at my sides, but I said nothing more. Because¡­ what was the point? In this house, I never win. I stood by the kitchen counter, staring at the dining table that now felt so far away, even though it was just a few steps from me. Over there, Noah was still quietly sobbing in Emily¡¯s arms. My little boy, who used to fall asleep only while holding my hand, now rested his head against another woman¡¯s shoulder. A woman who came out of nowhere and had somehow be the center of their world. ¡°Noah, sweetheart, that¡¯s enough,¡± Emily said softly, stroking his hair. ¡°It¡¯s not good to keep yelling like that. You¡¯ll get at headache.¡± Noah shook his head hard, his face flushed with frustration. ¡°I don¡¯t want Mommy toe to school! I want Auntie Emily instead!¡± Liam, still standing near the doorway, folded his arms across his chest. His eyes were fixed on me¨Cnot with concern, but with uncase, as though my presence alone made things more difficult. ¡°Noah¡­¡± I said gently, swallowing the sharp sting in my throat. ¡°Mommy promises she¡¯ll behave. I¡¯ll bring you lunch, and we can spend time together at the event.¡± But Noah just buried his face deeper into Emily¡¯s chest, as if my words were poison. ¡°Look,¡± Liam said tly, turning to Emily, ¡°maybe¡­ you should be the one to go to school, Emily.¡± Emily looked startled for a moment. There was clear hesitation on her face, but just as quickly, she masked it. She was an actress, after all. Pretending was her second skin. ¡°L.. I¡¯ll try talking to my manager,¡± she replied softly. ¡°But my schedule¡¯s pretty tight today, Liam.¡± Liam gave a slight nod. ¡°I hope you can. Noah needs you.¡± That line stabbed through me. As if I was nothing more than a housekeeper who¡¯d failed her task. I swallowed the bitter taste rising in my mouth. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯ve made your decision, Liam?¡± He didn¡¯t even look at me. Just said, with emotionless finality, ¡°Noah needsfort. And right now, he only gets that from Emily.¡± I almost would stay in this house. I had already rented a small apartment on the edge of the city. Not luxurious. Not warm. But it would be mine. For the first time in five years, I would live in a ce that knew me only as Sienna¨Cnot as Liam¡¯s wife, not as Noah¡¯s mother. 1 Six more days. 5 = I just needed to survive six more days. Six days of cold shoulders, quiet Jabs, and wounds that were never allowed to heal. I looked out the window. The sun was climbing higher in the sky. The day had barely begun, and I was already exhausted. But as always, I kept quiet. Not because I was weak. But because in my silence, I was preparing. Preparing to leave everything behind. without ever looking back. I stood behind the curtain, pecking through to the front yard as the front door shut. Footsteps moved down the porch stairs. Noah¡¯sughter echoed, followed by the sound of Liam¡¯s leather shoes and Emily¡¯s graceful heels. ¡°We¡¯ll take Auntie Emily¡¯s car, okay? So we can get to school faster,¡± Emily¡¯s voice rang out¨Csoft and sweet, deliberately loud. enough for anyone still inside to hear. Me included. ¡°I wanna sit in the front seat with Auntie Emily!¡± Noah shouted gleefully, his voice full of excitement I hadn¡¯t heard in ages- not when he was with me. ¡°Don¡¯t forget your seatbelt,¡± Liam added calmly, always in control. From behind the curtain, I watched them. Emily opened the car door with practiced ease, helping Noah climb in first, then sliding into the driver¡¯s seat. Liam took the passenger side. A few secondster, the engine purred to life. The car slowly backed out of the driveway and disappeared down the road. I stood there, unmoving. Watching as the small world I had built¨Cwith tears, with sacrifice¨Cdrove away without me. In one car. One perfect picture. Without me. They looked¡­. perfect. Liam sat in the front passenger seat, his face turned toward Emily as if they were chatting. Emily, with her everposed. beauty and that soft smile seemingly etched permanently on her face, steered the car with confidence. And Noah¡­ heughed. freely in the back seat, asionally tapping the chair and calling out Emily¡¯s name. A picture of a happy family. But without me in it. Sincerity 12 Sienna¡¯s POV It felt like I was watching a film I once starred in¨Cexcept now, my role had been recast. No warning. No reason. Just¡­ reced. A tightness pressed against my chest, rising up to my throat. But no tears came. As if my body was too tired to cry anymore. Apparently, everything I had done still wasn¡¯t enough to earn a seat in that car with them. Maybe it was because I wasn¡¯t as graceful as Emily. Maybe because I wasn¡¯t funny, or because my body no longer looked the way it used to. Or perhaps it was my tired face, worn down by sleepless nights spent caring for a sick child or waiting for a husband who always came homete. I let out a slow breath, released the curtain from my grip, and walked away from the window. Back in my room, I moved slowly, holding a teacup that had long gone cold. My fingers felt as icy as this morning, as numb as my lifetely. I pushed the door open softly. The air inside was quieter than usual, even though faint sounds of life still filtered in from outside. My steps toward the desk halted when I noticed myptop still glowing faintly. A small blinking icon in the corner caught my eye -an unread email. I set the cup down gently and sat. Moving the cursor, I clicked the icon. My brows lifted. My heartbeat sped up. My hand trembled slightly as I opened the message. I covered my mouth, barely able to believe it. My chest swelled with something warm, something blooming quietly inside me. A feeling that was unfamiliar¨Cbut beautiful. I made it. I actually made it My right hand pressed to my chest, trying to steady the wild rhythm of my heart. The exhaustion from the night before, the hidden sobs, the wounds I never had time to heal¨Csuddenly faded. All reced by a pride I hadn¡¯t felt in so long. Me. Sienna. The woman seen as useless in this house. The one scolded for being nauseous, med for not cooking breakfast, ignored in the very family she built from the ground up. I had been recognized by someone out there. Someone in the world had read my writing. Heard my voice. Thought I was worthy. Tears welled in my eyes¨Cbut this time not from pain. These were tears of a small victory. Not over anyone else, but over myself. I quickly wiped my cheeks and drew in a deep breath. Then I smiled¨Ca smile I had nearly forgotten how to wear. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered to the screen. To myself. This wasn¡¯t the end. It wasn¡¯t even halfway there. But it was¡­ a flicker of light reminding me that I still had a ce in this world. That I could still create a new life. Just six more days in this house. And after that, I would begin again. Not as Liam¡¯s wife or Noah¡¯s mother, but as Sienna¨Cthe woman who rose from the ruins and rediscovered herself through her words. I woke up with a heavy head and a stiff neck, having fallen asleep in a half¨Csitting position at my desk. The thin curtains were still drawn over the window, letting in the quiet glow of dusk. Myptop remained on, disying thest paragraph I had Written I rubbed my neck gently where it ached. My body felt like it had been mmed by reality and wrapped in the weight of time. Maybe I¡¯d written too long. But I didn¡¯t regret it. Writing was the only escape they hadn¡¯t managed to take from me. Just as I was about to stand and open the window for fresh air, I heardughter outside my room. A sound that used to be so familiar, now strangely distant. Noah¡¯sughter. And Emily¡¯s soft voice,ughing along with him. Their joy mixed together, light and effortless. Like two people enjoying a calm evening, free from burdens, free from wounds. I stood still beside the desk, just listening. There was nothing wrong with my sonughing. Nothing wrong with someone else. making him happy. But somehow, that sound sliced beneath my ribs. Quietly. Slowly. Painfully. When was thest time Noahughed like that with me? When was thest time he hugged me without screaming or pulling away? I took a deep breath, but it didn¡¯t soothe my chest. Instead, it made everything feel tighter. A hollow space had been growing inside me each day, and it only got colder. I walked toward the door, not to open it¨Cjust to stand behind it. Listening ¡°Noah, you¡¯re so funny,¡± Emily said brightly. ¡°I¡¯m sure your teacher¡¯s going to love that dinosaur drawing you made.¡± ¡°I¡¯m only going to show it to Auntie Emily! Not Mommy!¡± Noah replied quickly, followed by more bright giggles. I closed my eyes. No matter how hard I tried to hold it back, a few tears still escaped. Not many. But enough to make the world feel a little farther away. I knew my time in this house was short. I¡¯d already marked the calendar, made a promise to myself. But six days felt so unbearably long when each second was a reminder that my ce, my role, had been taken by someone else¨Cand no one event noticed. Not Liam. Not Noah. Not anyone. I wrapped my arms around myself, searching for a warmth that wasn¡¯t there. And for a brief moment, I wondered: when I finally leave this ce¡­ will they even notice I¡¯m gone? Or will they simply feel relieved they no longer have to pretend around me? Sincerity 13 Sienna¡¯s POV I stood for a moment at the doorway, letting the midday light seep through the strands of my tangled hair. The room felt stifling -like my heart. How many days had I shut myself away like this? Everything seemed to spin so fast, yet strangely slow. Outside, the world kept turning. Meanwhile, I was left behind, frozen in ce. My breath felt heavy, but there was nothing to do except push myself to keep moving. I stepped forward slowly. Each footfall felt like stepping on shards of ss. The wounds inside me hadn¡¯t healed, but I had to hide them¨Cespecially when Noah was home. But this morning¨Cor was it already afternoon?-I hadn¡¯t expected him tough so freely. His voice rang out bright, clear, full of a joy that once used to shine for me. Now¡­ it sounded like it belonged to someone else. I walked through the hallway, my eyes brushing over the walls filled with Noah¡¯s drawings. I used to be the one sitting with him, drawing, coloring, helping him tape up his favorite dinosaur pictures. Now, just sitting beside him felt like a distant privilege 1 had to earn back. Was I a failed mother? Or just a broken person who no longer knew how to be anything? Near the bookshelf, I spotted the little lion plushie I gave him on his third birthday. It was worn now, its fur faded, but it was still there like a small reminder that good days had once lived in this house. Days when Noah called me ¡°Mommy¡± withughter, not with anger. Days before Emily was here. Days when I didn¡¯t feel like I had already lost. I stopped in front of the mirror hanging in the living room. My reflection looked pale. Puffy eyes, dark circles, messy hair. If it hadn¡¯t been for Noah¡¯s voice echoing from the kitchen, I might¡¯ve gone back to my room, crawled under the covers, and pretended the outside world didn¡¯t exist. But hisughter¨Cit was like a hook pulling me back to the surface, even if I was still gasping. I wasn¡¯t ready to face him. But I knew I had to. My hand moved instinctively to fix my hair. I wiped the corners of my eyes with the back of my hand. I had to look calm. I had to be strong. I had to be his mother. I wasn¡¯t a guest in this house, not an intruder. I¡­ I was his mom. Even if my voice no longer held weight. Even if my hugs were now met with fear. I was still his mother. And I would fight for that. Slowly. Even if it meant stumbling. As I reached the threshold of the kitchen, the scene before me made me stop in my tracks. Emily and Noah. The two of them stood at the kitchen counter. Noah was wearing an apron with a big dinosaur on it, his face lit up with excitement. His hands were covered in cookie dough, and Emily, beside him, helped scoop dough onto the tray,ughing every time Noah made a sillyment. ¡°I want lots of chocte chips!¡± Noah shouted, dumping a handful into the mix¨Cway too much¨Cbut Emily justughed. ¡°If we put too much, they¡¯ll all melt,¡± she said gently. ¡°But that¡¯s okay, let¡¯s try it, sweetie.¡± I was I stood there, unmoving. Neither of them noticed me. The kitchen that once felt like mine now felt like a foreign ce, like Iv peeking into someone else¡¯s life¨Cone that had no space left for me. Quietly, I walked to the fridge. I opened it and grabbed a cold bottle of water. As I closed the fridge and unscrewed the cap, Noah¡¯s voice startled me. ¡°Mommy,¡± ,¡± he said without turning around, his tone t, ¡°I¡¯m really happy today. I made cookies with Auntie Emily. Mommy¡¯s not fun like Auntie Emily.¡± The words were simple. Maybe to him, they were just honest. Innocent, from the mouth of a child. But to a mother¡­ they were a spear straight to the chest. I took a silent sip of water, trying to drown the emotions that surged inside me. My hand trembled slightly, but I kept my face neutral. I didn¡¯t respond. What was the point? Any answer would only open more wounds. ¡®Mommy¡¯s always busy. Writing or sleeping. Auntie Emily¡¯s funny. And she can bake too,¡± Noah continued cheerfully. Emily finally turned and noticed me. Her eyes widened briefly, as if she felt guilty for getting lost in the moment. ¡°Oh¡­ Sienna, you¡¯re up?¡± she said gently. I nodded. ¡°Just thirsty,¡± I replied shortly, then took another sip of water. The spat clinked against the bowl again. Emily didn¡¯t say anything else. Noah focused on his cookies, but his earlier words. kept echoing in my head. I knew I could neverpete with Emily¨Cnot like this. She arrived as the perfect woman: beautiful, warm, easy to love. Someone who, somehow, had nestled her way into my child¡¯s heart in a matter of weeks. But I wouldn¡¯t beg. Not anymore. I ced the bottle in the sink and turned away. I couldn¡¯t watch them much longer. I couldn¡¯t bear to see my ce slowly erased, reced, forgotten¨Ceven by Noah. ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t you wanna try the cookiester?¡± Noah called behind me, still not turning. I paused in the doorway. ¡°Maybeter,¡± I said softly, and walked away¨Cleaving theirughter echoing behind me. Laughter that no longer belonged to
  1. me.
I returned to my room, shutting the door gently behind me, as if afraid to disturb the joy still unfolding in the kitchen. Once the door closed, silence wrapped around me again. A silence that suffocated instead of soothed. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my desk where myptop still glowed. The screen disyed the manuscript I¡¯d been working onst night before falling asleep. The title remained the same. I exhaled slowly, leaning back against the headboard. Noah¡¯s words reyed in my mind, looping like a quiet, persistent echo. When did I be a stranger in my own child¡¯s life? Sincerity 14 Sienna¡¯s POV This pain didn¡¯t arrive all at once. It came slowly¨Clike rain leaking through a roof. Drop by drop, silent and unnoticed, until everything was soaked. That¡¯s how I lost everything¨Cquietly and gradually. I forced myself to stand and walk over to the desk. I opened the email I had received that morning¨Ca notification that I had passed the first round of a writing selection from a foreign website. I was supposed to be happy, right? I was happy. Truly, I was. But that happiness couldn¡¯t mend the other wounds. It couldn¡¯t erase the bitter taste that came with knowing this sess¨Clike everything I¡¯d ever achieved¨Cwould mean nothing to anyone in this house. I stared at myptop screen again. I dared myself to type a few more sentences into my manuscript, words born from the deepest ache. Suddenly, Noah¡¯sughter echoed from outside. This time, Liam¡¯s voice followed. They must have finished baking. Maybe Noah would feed Emily little bites of warm chocte cake, giggling. Maybe Liam would tell Emily she looked like a natural mother. Who knows? I didn¡¯t want to know. I closed theptop slowly and walked toward the window. From between the curtain ts, I saw them in the living room. Noah sat on Emily¡¯sp, feeding her tiny pieces of cake. Liam sat beside them, chuckling softly as Noah licked chocte off his fingers, smearing batter across the sofa. A picture of happiness. The kind that should¡¯ve been mine. I know people will judge me for feeling this way. I still have a husband, a child, a big house. But they don¡¯t understand what it¡¯s like to be loved for your role, not for your self. To be valued for your cooking, not for who you are when you¡¯re not serving. To be cherished when you¡¯re taking care of everyone¨Cbut forgotten when you¡¯re the one who¡¯s unwell. I touched my stomach, still sore. The medication from this morning hadn¡¯t fully kicked in. But I¡¯d survive. I had to survive. As I closed the curtain, I took a deep breath. I no longer had a ce out there. But I still had one tiny space¨Cinside my words. And that¡­ was just enough to keep me frompletely falling apart. A knock broke the silence of my room. I turned my face from the screen just as the door creaked open. Liam stood in the doorway. ¡°Noah, Emily, and I are going out for dinner,¡± he said simply. His voice was calm, but there was a distance in it that couldn¡¯t be. crossed. I looked at him for a moment. My lips nearly moved, almost asking if I was invited too. But no words came. Deep down, I already knew the answer. Liam continued without waiting for a response. ¡°Oh, and Noah¡¯s teacher gave him an assignment. It¡¯s due tomorrow. Help him finish it tonight.¡± He lowered his tone as if to underline the instruction, then turned and walked away. The door shut behind him, leaving me alone in a silence that pressed down like weight on my chest. I sat, frozen, letting his words sink in. So that was it? No invitation. No thought that maybe¨CI wanted to have dinner with them too. Not even a sentence that suggested I was part of their n. I stared at the closed door. Empty. Quiet. But not the kind of quiet that soothes¨Cmore like the kind that echoes in a hollow space that¡¯s never really been filled. I took a deep breath, but the tightness didn¡¯t ease. It felt as if even this house had slowly begun rejecting me, turning me into a guest overstaying her wee. I looked around. The desk. The small cab. A pile of papers I hadn¡¯t had the energy to organize. The scent of paper, ink, and cold coffee still clinging to the mug. All of it bore silent witness to how hard I¡¯d been trying to hold on¨Cto still be the best version of myself, even when no one seemed to care. Maybe I¡¯d hoped for too much. Maybe I¡¯d hoped Liam would still see me¨Cnot just as a backup nanny, not as someone to be tasked with homework¨Cbut as¡­ his wife. As someone who wanted to be included, loved, seen. I closed my eyes for a moment. No. I wouldn¡¯t cry over this again. But the tears still welled up, hanging like fog I couldn¡¯t disperse. I swallowed them slowly, as always. Because crying wouldn¡¯t change anything. I had just brought in a stack of neatly foldedundry from the front door. The fresh scent of fabric softener lingered on my fingertips as I carried it carefully to each room. It had been part of my routine for years. I knew which shirt belonged to Liam, which uniform to Noah, and which clothes¨Coddly unfamiliar¨Cbelonged to Emily. 1 When I reached Emily¡¯s room, I paused. The door was slightly ajar, the curtains fluttering gently from the balcony breeze. I knocked twice, softly. No response. Cautiously, I stepped inside¨Conly to set the clothes on the small shelf by the wall. But as I was arranging them carefully on the ss table, the bathroom door swung open. Emily stepped out, towel¨Cdrying her hair. She froze when she saw me. Her eyes widened slightly. I offered a small, awkward smile¨Ctrying to maintain the politeness I always did. ¡°Sorry, I was just dropping off your ,¡± I murmured. My voice barely above a whisper. I stood up straight. My fingers trembled a little¨CI wasn¡¯t sure why. Maybe it was the feeling of being a guest in my own house. Or maybe it was the look in Emily¡¯s eyes. She didn¡¯t seem surprised or embarrassed¨Cjust¡­ annoyed. ¡°Just leave it at the door, Sienna. No need toe in,¡± she said sharply. Cold. Without a trace of courtesy. I flinched. Her words hit like a p. My breath caught. ¡°S¨Csorry. I thought¡­¡± My voice trailed off. There was no excuse. No justification th that would make ke sense. 15 Sincerity 15 15 Sienna¡¯s POV Emily walked toward her vanity, never sparing me another nce. She dried her hair briskly, as if trying to wipe away the awkwardness of my presence. She ced the towel on the chair, then looked at me through the mirror. ¡°If you want to help, just do it from outside. I don¡¯t like people touching my personal things, especially in my room,¡± she added, her voice now sharp enough to cut through bone. I took a slow breath, holding back the anger that pressed heavily in my chest. I hadn¡¯t even wanted to be in this room. But out of duty¨Cout of a routine I still tried to uphold even though I knew my ce had been reced¨CI came. ¡°Alright,¡± I said quietly. I lowered my gaze and reached for the folded clothes I hadn¡¯t yet set down. ¡°Sienna,¡± she called suddenly, stopping me at the door. I turned my head slowly. Emily wa staring at me, eyes narrowed. ¡°I know you don¡¯t like having me here. But don¡¯t think you can win anyone¡¯s sympathy in this house just by acting sweet or pitiful. I¡¯ve had enough of your fake kindness.¡± My chest tightened. My tongue felt like stone. I wanted to speak. I wanted to say that nothing about me was fake. But what was the point? Nothing I said would change anything. In their eyes, I was the one left behind. The useless one. The burden growing heavier each day in a home that no longer had a ce for me. With my head bowed, I opened the door and stepped out. My legs felt heavy, but I walked away anyway. I closed the door gently behind me, careful not to let it creak. I didn¡¯t want to add another sound to a silence already painful enough. I was still holding a few pieces of clothing meant for Noah¡¯s room. But now, even that felt like too much. What Emily didn¡¯t realize was that what she insulted wasn¡¯t just my attitude¨Cbut every ounce of effort I had poured into surviving in a house that no longer saw me. I made my way slowly toward Noah¡¯s room, the folded clothes still in my arms. After what had just happened with Emily, my chest was still tight. But I kept moving, tried to stay busy¨Cone task after another¨Canything to keep my mind from drowning in a pain that never seemed to end. I gently pushed open Noah¡¯s door. I returned his clothes to the wardrobe, folded them neatly, ced them in the drawers like I always had. ? am rang out from downstairs. But just as I was about to close thest drawer, a scream rang ¡°My ring is gone! My ring is gone!¡± I froze. It was Emily¡¯s voice. Without thinking, I rushed out of Noah¡¯s room and down the stairs. I could hear other footsteps¨CLiaming out of his study, his face tense, and Noah running from the yroom. ¡°What happened?¡± Liam asked quickly, looking at Emily, who was standing in the middle of the living room. Her breath was uneven, her hair still damp, her face a mix of panic and fury. Emily turned to him, her eyes red. ¡°My ring! The diamond ring I just put in my jewelry box yesterday¨Cit¡¯s gone!¡± I stood frozen on thest step, my body tensing for reasons I didn¡¯t yet understand¡­ until Emily turned to face me. ¡°You were in my room earlier, weren¡¯t you, Sienna?¡± I frowned, confused. ¡°Yes¡­ I was just dropping off the person in that room.¡± My heart started pounding. My breath caught. ¡°What are you saying? Are you using me?¡± ¡°If not you, then who else?¡± she snapped, her voice shaking. ¡°You were in there¨Cand now the ring is gone! I never gave anyone permission to touch that jewelry box.¡± I shook my head slowly, trying to stay calm even as a chill ran down my spine. ¡°Emily, I never touched your things. I would never steal,¡± ¡°This is unbelievable,¡± she hissed, her voice rising dramatically. ¡°You actually had the nerve to steal from me¨Cafter I¡¯ve tried to be nice to you!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Liam¡¯s voice thundered through the room. His eyes locked on me. ¡°Is it true? Were you the only one who went into Emily¡¯s room today?¡± I didn¡¯t answer right away. His tone¨Cwhy did it sound like that? Why was there no doubt in his voice? I looked at Liam, searching. Hoping. Hoping for even a flicker of uncertainty in his expression. Hoping he would say that I couldn¡¯t possibly have done it. But no. All I saw was a hard re. Cold. using. ¡°Answer me, Sienna,¡± Liam repeated. ¡°Did you go into Emily¡¯s room?¡± I nodded slowly, ¡°Yes, but only to drop off the clothes.¡± Suddenly, Noah ran toward Emily and wrapped his arms around her waist. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, Auntie Emily. Mommy¡¯s mean, right? She even stole your ring.¡± ¦° The words hit harder than anything else. ¡°Noah, Mommy didn¡¯t-¡± ¡°I hat¨¦ Mommy!¡± he shouted before I could finish. ¡°Auntie Emily is better! She never yells at me or causes trouble!¡± Tears welled in my eyes instantly, but I held them back. I looked at my son¨Cthe child I¡¯d raised alone since he was a baby. The child who once couldn¡¯t sleep unless he was curled against me. Now¡­ he was hugging someone else and using me without hesitation. Liam took a deep breath. ¡°We¡¯ll look for the ring. But if it turns out you took it¡­ I¡¯ll never forgive you.¡± I wanted to speak. To shout that I would never do such a thing. But the words¡­ were gone. Shattered. Lost in a wound that had already cut too deep. Emily bent down to hug Noah, stroking his hair as though she were the hero in this chaos. And me? I stood there. In my own home. used of stealing. Hated by my son. Suspected by my husband. Sincerity 16 Sienna¡¯s POV Everything began to move quickly. Emily was busy rifling through drawers, opening little boxes in her room with a frantic expression¨Cone I couldn¡¯t tell was genuine or just another performance. Liam hovered nearby, overseeing the chaos, while Noah scurried around asking questions, as if he were leading a tiny investigation. ¡°Does it look like a car, Mommy Emily?¡± Noah asked, peeking into a jewelry box. Emily shook her head quickly and said, ¡°No, sweetheart. It¡¯s small, in a white box. Did you check under the study desk?¡± Noah ran to the corner of the room, opened the desk drawer, then got down on his knees. ¡°Nothing here!¡± he said, disappointed. Meanwhile, Liam paced like someone counting down to an explosion. I stood frozen in the doorway. None of them seemed to notice I was even there. Emily grabbed a small bag, opened it, and suddenly pped her forehead. ¡°Oh my God! Maybe I left it in the car!¡± she eximed loudly enough for Liam to turn around immediately. ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked. Emily nodded and rushed past him without sparing me a nce. I stayed where I was, watching how my home had turned into a full¨Cblown stage drama in just five minutes. No one asked why I stood there quietly. No one offered me a ce in the whirlwind¨Cnot even a nce. ¡°Noah, help Daddy check the kitchen. Maybe the box fell there,¡± Liam said. Noah nodded quickly and bolted out of the room, nearly bumping into me. Only after they were gone did I step further inside. The room returned to silence, broken only by the low hum of the ceiling fan. On the desk, a piece of paper with one of Noah¡¯s drawings sat next to a framed photo of their perfect little family. Emily holding Noah in her arms, Liam behind them, hand on Emily¡¯s shoulder. The photo was wless. Too wless. I looked at my reflection in the frame¡¯s ss¨Cdull, tired, with shadows of pain I couldn¡¯t conceal. I didn¡¯t know when exactly I stopped feeling like I belonged in my own home. Footsteps approached from outside. I hurriedly returned the photo to its ce, exactly as it was. A few secondster, Liam appeared at the doorway, startled to see me. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked sharply, his voice bordering on cold ¡°I was just ¡°I hesitated. My voice was hoarse. ¡°I was just looking around. Noah ran out earlier, nearly knocked me over.¡± Liam nodded faintly, but his eyes were sharp, devouring me. ¡°Don¡¯t interfere. Emily¡¯s already upset.¡± I held my breath, trying to keep my face neutral. ¡°I wasn¡¯t interfering. I was just standing.¡± But he was already past me, stepping into the room, unconcerned with my answer. I turned away, slowly going down the stairs. My hands were still trembling, though I tried to ignore them. It felt like crying without sound. I stood at the threshold, unwee. Emily had screamed it loud and clear: ¡°Don¡¯t let her into my room again!¡± Liam¡­ remained silent. I looked down, gripping the edge of my shirt. I couldn¡¯t speak. Even breathing was hard. I didn¡¯t steal that ring. God, I didn¡¯t even know what it looked like. But I knew¨Ctruth doesn¡¯t always have a ce in this house. My eyes scanned the living room for anything to distract me from the tightness in my chest. That¡¯s when I saw it a faint glimmer under the sofa. A sh of light bouncing off something at the edge of the carpet. I bent down slowly, lifted the rug slightly, and reached under the couch. My fingers touched something cold and round. When I pulled it out, my eyes widened. Aring A diamond ring with a bold design. It had to be the one they were looking for. I stood up hesitantly, a sliver of hope rising in me. Maybe if I showed them this, everything would be cleared. The usation would vanish. I could breathe again, just for a moment. ¡°I found it,¡± I said quietly, then louder, ¡°Hey¡­ here it is! It was under the sofa!¡± I raised my hand, showing the ring. But there was no relief. No thankful faces. Only suspicion. Cold, sharp, judgmental eyes. Emily strode over and snatched the ring from my hand like it was filthy. ¡°You nted it there, didn¡¯t you?¡± she hissed, her eyes drilling into mine. ¡°Pretending to find it so you wouldn¡¯t look like a thief?¡± I shook my head. ¡°No! I swear I just found it there¨CI don¡¯t know how it got under the sofa!¡± But before I could exin, her hand flew up andnded hard across my face. I staggered, stunned. Not from the pain¨Cbut from the shame. The humiliation. In front of my husband. In front of my child. ¡°This ring,¡± Emily said, her voice trembling with righteous rage, holding it high in the air, ¡°is a symbol of my career. A gift from a major brand that sponsors me. And you¡­ you treat it like garbage!¡± ¡°Emily¡­¡± I whispered, tears forming in my eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t steal it.¡± But my voice was swallowed by the silence. By Liam¡¯s hollow stare. By Noah, who clung to Emily like she was his world. I felt small. And worse than anything¡­ none of them cared how broken 1 was. I turned and walked away. Each step felt heavier, like dragging wounds behind me. My hands still trembled, the sting on my cheek burning¨Cbut that wasn¡¯t the real pain. It was the way Liam looked through me. The way Noah didn¡¯t even hesitate to take her side over mine. I climbed the stairs slowly, holding my breath so no sobs would escape. Don¡¯t cry in front of them, Sienna. Don¡¯t give them what they want. I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it. The lock clicked shut¨Cand only then did I slide down to the floor, finally letting the tears fall, muffled in the sleeves of my shirt. 17 Sincerity 17 Sienna¡¯s POV My heart felt crushed from the inside. How did this home¨Conce filled withughter, love, and sacrifice¨Cturn into a prison of me, hatred, and exile? Liam¡­ the man I once proudly called mine, the one I once called home. Now he doesn¡¯t even have a shred of trust in me. He just stood there in silence while I was used of stealing. Just watched, frozen, letting me get pped without a single word of defense. Noah¡­ my son. The child I gave birth to with so much pain. The one I kissed every night before bed. The one I lovingly made school lunches for every morning. Now he¡¯s hugging another woman right in front of me, epting every usation thrown my way. Tears kept falling, uncontrobly. I got up weakly, then sat on the edge of the bed. My eyesnded on the small calendar on the desk. Slowly, my hand reached out and pulled the red marker I had tucked beside it. Today¡­ is day four in my countdown. My hands trembled as I uncapped the marker. That small click¨Cnormally so meaningless¨Cthis time sounded like a bell tolling in my ears. Day four. Four days since I started counting down to something I hadn¡¯t dared to fully name. Not death. Not an escape. Just¡­ a disappearance. Quiet, without farewells or drama. I just wanted to vanish. From this house that no longer felt like home. From a role I could no longer live in with joy. I looked at the red marks I¡¯d drawn over the past three days. The number five, crossed out. Now four¨Cslowly, I marked it too. Three days left. Will they even notice? Or would they actually feel relieved that I¡¯m finally out of their way? Noah¡¯sughter still echoed faintly from the next room. Then his small footsteps ran across the floor, followed by Emily¡¯s voice telling him to be careful. For a second, I closed my eyes. How easily they function without me. They even seemed happier. More alive. As if my presence had only ever been a noise too loud to exist in their perfectly warm world. I hugged my knees and let the tears fall again. I didn¡¯t bother wiping them away. It didn¡¯t matter anymore. My body felt hollow, like a lifeless shell held together only by responsibility, sacrifice, and old wounds that never seemed to heal. I looked at the red marker in my hand and ced it back beside the calendar. I knew I wasn¡¯t truly ready to leave¨Cbut I also didn¡¯t know how to keep staying. Three more days¡­ at least I still had time. Time to find an answer. Or maybe, to say a proper goodbye to the version of me that kept fighting alone without ever being loved back. I rose slowly from the bed, forcing steady breaths into my chest. Though tired and fragile, I knew I still had to survive today. Maybe not as the perfect mother¨Cbut at least as a woman who hadn¡¯t fully given up. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Swollen eyes, pale cheeks¨Cbut a faint light still lingered in them. A flicker from a heart that hadn¡¯t gone out yet. That was enough¨Cfor now. Enough for one more step forward, even if it was shaky. My phone vibrated on the table. Liliana¡¯s name appeared on the screen. I quickly wiped the remaining tears from my cheeks and answered, trying to keep my voice steady. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Sienna?¡± Her voice was soft, concerned. ¡°Are you home? Let¡¯s meet up. There¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡± I paused for a moment. My heart still felt shattered, my body worn from ack of sleep, but Liliana¡¯s invitation felt like a tiny lifeline tossed in the middle of a storm. And I needed something to hold onto, even briefly. ¡°I¡¯lle,¡± I finally said, quietly. ¡°I¡¯ll get ready now.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait outside theplex.¡± Inodded, though she couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°Thank you, Liliana.¡® H When the call ended, I stood. Took a long, slow breath, then began packing a small bag. I made sure myptop was inside, along with the charger and the manuscript I¡¯d neatly filed in a clear folder. I stared at my reflection for a moment. Pale. Puffy eyes. But I was still standing. I grabbed the door handle and opened it slowly. As I stepped into the hallway, sounds from the living room reached me again¨CNoah¡¯sughter. Liam¡¯s voice. Emily¡¯s soft, threadlike tone weaving itself into theirs, stitching them together into a family that didn¡¯t include me. I kept walking, down the stairs, without turning back. Noah sat in Liam¡¯sp, the two of them watching TV together. Emily was on the other side of the couch, smiling as she offered them a bowl of fruit. I nced slightly in their direction, just enough to keep walking straight. Don¡¯t falter. Don¡¯t break again. Then Liam¡¯s voice followed me from behind. ¡°Sienna? Where are you going?¡± I didn¡¯t slow down. No answer. No effort to exin. Once, I would¡¯ve stopped. Turned around. Replied gently and asked if he needed anything. But today¡­ not anymore. Today, I wouldn¡¯t offer myself up for understanding from someone who never wanted to understand. I opened the front door and inhaled the cool air outside. The world beyond this house had no idea what went on within. Didn¡¯t know that a wife had been used of stealing, pped, and left without defense. And maybe that was a blessing. At least out here¡­ I could pretend that everything was okay. I clutched my bag tighter to my side and walked out the gate, leaving that house behind¨Cif only for a little while. In the distance, I spotted Liliana¡¯s car pulled up by the curb, her turn signal blinking softly. I didn¡¯t look back. Because if I did¡­ I might break again. Today, I chose to be strong¨Ceven if only for a little while. 18 Sincerity 18 Sienna¡¯s POV The night sky had just settled when we arrived at the small restaurant tucked into a quiet corner of the city. The ce wasn¡¯t busy¨Conly two or three tables were upied in distant corners. The rest remained empty, bathed in the soft glow of amber pendant lights hanging gently from the wooden ceiling. We chose a table outside, beneath the open sky, even though tonight, not even the moon cared to show itself. I leaned back against the chair, folding my arms across my stomach, and tilted my head up. My gaze pierced the darkness above, toward a sky so still and ck. No stars. No moon. Just an endless void¨Ceerily familiar, like a mirror to the emptiness inside me. The sky tonight felt like a reflection of my soul. It wasn¡¯t long before Liliana returned from inside, bncing two trays of food. The scent of butter and saut¨¦ed onions followed her, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to lift a spoon. She ced our orders down carefully, then sat across from me, raising an eyebrow when she noticed I was still staring upward. ¡°What are you looking at, Sienna?¡± she asked gently, breaking the silence that had followed us all the way here. I didn¡¯t answer right away. I just inhaled slowly, holding back the weight that still pressed down on my chest. Then I replied, quietly, ¡°The sky is so dark tonight. Just like my heart.¡± I gave a smallugh¨Cnot because it was funny, but because¡­ wasn¡¯t that just my lifetely? ck. Empty. Cold. But before I could sink again into that silence, a sudden light flickered right in front of my eyes. I turned quickly¨Cand there she was. Liliana was pointing her phone shlight straight at my face. Her expression was serious, but her eyes held that familiar, warm smile. ¡°I can light up your heart if you let me,¡± she said yfully. I couldn¡¯t help but smile. Even when I felt like I had fallen too deep, Liliana always found a way to pull me up¨Ceven if it was just an inch. She wasn¡¯t the sun, or the moon with all its drama. She was more like a little shlight in this overwhelming darkness. A small light¡­ but enough to make me feel less alone. I chuckled softly, this time not out of bitterness. ¡°You¡¯re crazy,¡± I murmured, shaking my head, though my smile lingered. ¡°Crazy for still showing up for you,¡± she replied quickly. ¡°And I always will, Sienna. Even if you fall deeper, I¡¯ll climb down to find you. I turned my eyes from her phone light to her face. Liliana. The first person who came to the hospital after my ident. The first person who read my manuscript before anyone else. And the first person who believed I was worth fighting for long after I stopped believing it myself. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could¡¯ve made it this far without you.¡± ¨C Liliana just shrugged. ¡°You could. And you will. But tonight¡­ just rest. Eat. Talk Laugh, if you can. Let their world stay over there, and let you be here¨Cjust being yourself.¡± I stared at her for a long moment, then shifted my gaze to the food in front of us. Maybe I didn¡¯t have a moon. Or stars. But tonight, I had a real light. And that was enough. Liliana was absentmindedly stirring her drink with a straw when she suddenly asked, eyes still averted¨Calmost as if trying to hide the seriousness behind her casual tone. ¡°By the way¡­ does Liam or Noah know you¡¯re leaving in four days?¡± Sincerity 19 Her question made me freeze, my hand halfway to the fries. I turned to her, then slowly shook my head as I picked up a single fry and popped it in my mouth. ¡°They don¡¯t need to know,¡± I said lightly, even though my chest felt anything but light. ¡°In fact¡­ they can¡¯t know.¡± Liliana sighed. Her gaze was now a mixture of confusion and concern. ¡°How are you still surviving in that house?¡± she asked, incredulous. ¡°After everything they¡¯ve done to you?¡± She paused, then leaned in slightly, ncing left and right like she was plotting something criminal, before whispering: ¡°Even with star¨Cof¨Cthe¨Cshow Emily living under your roof?¡± I let out a smallugh. I don¡¯t know why, but that sentence sounded oddly funny to me¨Clike Emily was some huge celebrity crashing in my tiny rented room. I straightened my back and said, half¨Cmocking, ¡°I¡¯m not Emily¡¯s fan. So why should I be bothered?¡± Liliana immediately pped my arm lightly. ¡°Ugh, that¡¯s not what I meant, Sienna!¡± she protested, folding her arms. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it¡­ how deep can you bury everything on your own? Liam hurt you, and now Noah even prefers her. And she¡¯s here. I your house. In your space. Near your husband. Near your son. Like-¡± ¡°Like she¡¯s recing me?¡± I cut in, finishing the sentence Liliana couldn¡¯t bear to say. I took a deep breath. ¡°I know. I¡¯m aware of everything. But I also know there are only four days left.¡± I leaned back in my chair, gazing up at the sky that was still cloaked in darkness. Even the streetlights seemed reluctant to light. up tonight. ¡°After that¡­ it¡¯ll all just be the past. I don¡¯t want to leave this ce full of anger or carrying a grudge. I just want to go peacefully. Quietly¡­ without anyone trying to stop me.¡± Liliana didn¡¯t respond right away. She just stared at me for a while¨Cmaybe searching for whatever strength might still remain on my face, a face I myself was tired of seeing in the mirror. ¡°You¡¯re not alone,¡± she finally said. ¡°If one day it bes too much¡­ remember, I¡¯m always here for you. All you need is one word. One signal. I¡¯lle.¡± I looked at her and smiled. A faint smile, but genuine. ¡°Thank you. But tonight, let¡¯s just enjoy our food. However messed up tomorrow might be, tonight¡­ I just want tough with you. She smiled and raised her stic cup. ¡°Deal. But finish your fries first. No leftovers!¡± I chuckled softly, feeling just a bit lighter. Even though my heart was still full of wounds, tonight I could pretend¨Cjust for a moment that everything was okay, with the one person who still saw my worth. A few hourster, I stepped out of Liliana¡¯s car slowly. She waved before driving off down the quiet street. I opened the front door gently. The living room light was still on. The sound of the TV upstairs hummed faintly. I thought everyone would be asleep by now and maybe that was for the best. I wanted this night to end without another scene. But my steps halted as I passed through the living room. Something felt different. My eyes scanned the wall that had always been covered with framed photographs. I walked slowly, needing to be sure I wasn¡¯t imagining it. Empty. There was a nk space. A whole row of photos was gone. Suddenly, my chest tightened. I turned toward it, heart pounding. I knew exactly which photos used to hang there. Our family photos. Noah¡¯s birthday party¨Cwhen I baked his cake myself. Pictures that proved I once existed in this home. Now? All of them were gone. Reced with new frames. Photos of Liam, Noah, and¡­ Emily. 19 Sienna¡¯s POV This morning I woke up with a pounding headache and erratic breath. It felt as though I¡¯d been trapped in a never¨Cending nightmare all night. But I had no time toin. My eyesnded on the phone vibrating on the table¨Cits screen lit up with a message from the parents¡® group. [Invitation for parents this morning at 8 a.m. Your attendance is requested.] My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. It was already 8:12. Without even brushing my hair properly, I grabbed my bag and jacket and ran down the stairs. I didn¡¯t even nce at the living room¨Cnot that it mattered whether anyone noticed I was leaving or not. I drove in a panic, weaving through the morning traffic, hoping the teachers were still there, hoping I wasn¡¯t toote. My car sped through the crawlingnes of traffic. Horns red around me, heightening my anxiety. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my palms damp with cold sweat. I kept ncing at the clock on the dashboard¨C8:17. Why am I alwayste for the things that matter most? Why can¡¯t I be the kind of mother who¡¯s always on time, who responds to school messages before thest second? Sunlight pierced through the windshield, stinging my tired eyes. I blinked quickly, trying to shake off the lingering drowsiness. The roads near the school were crowded with motorcycles and pedestrians darting across without warning. I had to m on the brakes as a little boy dragged his backpack across the street in front of me. ¡°Focus, Sienna¡­ focus¡­¡± I muttered under my breath, trying to calm the storm inside my chest. I pressed down on the gas a bit more as I entered the residential area near the school. I saw a few parents walking with folders of their children¡¯s documents. They looked neat, calm, prepared¨Ctheplete opposite of me, who hadn¡¯t even touched face powder or done anything with my hair. I slowed the car near the now¨Cquiet school gate. A few teachers were talking with the guards in front of the auditorium. I parked in a rush, realizing only then that I¡¯d forgotten to bring Noah¡¯s folder that I had prepared the night before on the dining table. I felt like pping my own forehead. After turning off the engine, I sat still for a moment and took a deep breath. I had to be strong. I had to go inside and show that I was still here for Noah¨Ceven if everything else had already fallen apart. But hope was just that¨Chope. By the time I reached the school gate, only the echoes of children heading to ss remained. The other parents¡® cars were long gone. I stepped out, breathing heavily, rushing through the yard until I spotted one of the teachers at the entrance. ¡°Ms. Ayu!¡± I called out. She turned and gave me a tight smile. ¡°Oh, Mrs. sienna.¡± I tried to catch my breath. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯mte. I only just saw the message in the group. The parent meeting¨Cam I toote to join?¡± Ms. Ayu looked a bit awkward. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am¡­ but I already met with Noah¡¯s guardian earlier.¡± My brow furrowed. ¡°Met? But I haven¡¯t arrived yet.) ¡°Um¡­¡± She offered a faint smile. ¡°Ms. Emily came instead. She said she was representing Noah¡¯s parents. Since we know she lives in the same house, we assumed it had all been arranged.¡± ¡°I see §Ú ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± 1 interrupted gently, trying to smile even though it felt like I¡¯d just been pped with yet another brutal truth. Ms. Ayu continued kindly, ¡°If you¡¯d like, I can send you a summary of the meeting via email. It was mostly about learning assessments and preparations for next week¡¯s performance.¡± I nodded, murmuring my thanks. I turned to leave the gate, but there was a tightness in my chest that wouldn¡¯t go away. Emily¡­ came as Noah¡¯s guardian? She hadn¡¯t even told me. Or more urately¨Cshe didn¡¯t feel the need to. I walked toward my car, trying to process what Ms. Ayu had just said. Emily came as Noah¡¯s guardian. Without my knowledge. Without my permission. And it was as if everyone was beginning to ept that she was now¡­ my recement. My hand, which had been gripping the car door handle, slowly loosened. My whole body sagged slightly, as if my bones couldn¡¯t. support the weight pressing down on my chest anymore. But before I could climb inside, the sound of footsteps and faintughter snapped me out of my daze. I turned. Liam and Emily walked side by side from the school lobby. Liam still wore his crisp blue shirt, holding a folder in one hand and car keys in the other. Emily smiled faintly, sunsses perched on her head, a stylish handbag hanging neatly on her arm. They paused when they saw me. Liam clicked his tongue. His expression wasn¡¯t surprised or awkward¨Cjust cold and slightly disgusted. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked sharply. I opened my mouth but didn¡¯t know what to say. He spoke again before I could answer. ¡°Did youe just to create a scene? This is pathetic, Sienna.¡± My heart felt like it was being crushed. I stood frozen, staring at the man who once wiped away my tears, now tearing apart my dignity without hesitation ¡°Everyone else already left, but here you are, acting like you don¡¯t know your ce,¡± he continued. ¡°You do realize, don¡¯t you, that from now on, anything to do with Noah is Emily¡¯s responsibility?¡± My eyes widened. His words struck me like a whip¨Cmerciless, straight to the heart. Emily gave a sheepish smile. ¡°Sienna¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I should¡¯ve let you know. But everything happened so quickly- I off sham ¡°Emily,¡± Liam cut her off sharply, turning to her. ¡°No need to apologize. She¡¯s the one who should know her ce.¡± Emily immediately fell silent. Her smile vanished. Sincerity 20 Sienna¡¯s POV I looked at Liam, into the eyes that once held so much love¨Cnow filled with nothing but hatred. I wanted to ask why. But what was the point? Even if I screamed, no one wanted to hear my side anymore. Liam reached for the car door and opened it for Emily, treating her the way he used to treat me. Emily slipped inside quickly, not daring to meet my gaze. Liam stayed standing beside the car for a moment, looking at me onest time. His eyes were sharp, as if to remind me I no longer had a ce in their world. ¡°You should stop showing up just to stir up drama,¡± he said, then got in the car and shut the door with a cold, final thud. 1 remained where I was, frozen like a statue. The car slowly pulled away, leaving me alone in the now quiet parking lot. I watched it grow smaller in the distance, until it disappeared beyond the school gate. My chest felt empty. But also unbearably full. I hugged myself tightly. The morning air, once crisp, now felt like icy des against my skin. Everyone had made their choice. And they hadn¡¯t chosen me. I wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn¡¯te. Just silence¡­ and a suffocating weight that clung to my chest. My hand had just reached for the car door handle when a small, familiar voice called out from behind me. ¡°Daddy!¡± I turned instantly. My heart dropped at the sight of that little figure standing alone at the school entrance. Noah ¡°Noah?¡± I rushed toward him. ¡°Why are you outside, sweetie? Where¡¯s your teacher-?¡± ¡°I was looking for Daddy,¡± he cut in, his eyes darting around, searching for the figure who had just left. I swallowed hard, crouching down to his level and trying to smile. ¡°Daddy and Aunt Emily already left, sweetheart.¡± His little face fell. His eyes dropped, shoulders slumping with disappointment. ¡°Noah¡­¡± I reached out gently to touch his arm. ¡°Is there something you want? Maybe we can stop for ice cream or-¡± Before I could finish, he brushed my hand away. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be with Mommy!¡± he snapped. His face was scrunched in a frown, eyes ssy with tears. I froze. ¡°I only want Ant Emily!¡± he cried, louder this time, his voice piercing like tiny, sharp knives straight to my ears. I stood still, paralyzed. That voice¡­ those words¡­ came from my own son. The arms I had stretched out to hug him now hung awkwardly in the air, directionless, without purpose. My smile faded. And for a moment, the world wentpletely silent. No sound existed except the echo of my son¡¯s rejection. Noah turned away, wiping his tears with the back of his little hand. Without another word, he walked away from me, back into the school building¨Csearching for someone, I didn¡¯t know who. I remained where I was. Nothing could¡¯ve prepared me for this. I knew things au changeu, i running pans us say that he only wanted Emily¡­ that pain was different. It was like being stabbed from the inside¨Cslowly, deliberately- shattering what little strength I had left. My hand trembled as I reached for the bag that had fallen to the ground. I picked it up gently, as though each motion had to be careful¡­ so I wouldn¡¯t hurt myself even more. The sound of little footsteps filled the air around me, but none of it truly registered. My vision blurred with tears I tried so hard to hold back. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, even as my chest felt tight and unbearable. I walked out of the school gate like a ghost¨Cmy steps empty, aimless. My car was parked across the street, but it felt like I needed the strength of the entire world just to get there. Aunt Emily. Those words echoed in my mind, crashing again and again like merciless waves. As if everything I¡¯d done¨Cevery sacrifice, every wound I silently endured¨Cno longer mattered. Inside the car, I sat still, staring at the steering wheel without really seeing it. Atst, the tears fell. Silently soaking my cheeks, impossible to hold back. I didn¡¯t even try to anymore. There was no point pretending to be strong. Noah chose Emily. I didn¡¯t know when everything had changed so fast. I knew I wasn¡¯t a perfect mother, I knew I¡¯d missed so many moments for reasons I couldn¡¯t bring myself to exin. But I was the one who gave birth to him. I was the one who stayed by his side through feverish nights, who carried him when he cried, who taught myself to make pancakes just to get him to eat breakfast. Did all of that disappear just because someone else had stepped into the daily routines? I wanted to me Emily. I wanted to be angry. But deep down, I knew it wasn¡¯t entirely her fault. She simply filled a space I had gradually vacated. And Noah¡­ he was just a child. He sought warmth wherever he could find it. Maybe I¡¯d been gone too long. Maybe I hadn¡¯te back soon enough. But still¡­. It felt so unfair. Night slowly descended, wrapping the house in a quiet that never truly feltforting. We had just finished dinner. As usual, I stood up first, gathering the empty tes and carrying them to the kitchen. My movements were automatic¨Cmy body knew this routine by heart. The housekeeper followed behind, her arms stacked with a few dishes. ¡°Let me do the dishes, Ma¡¯am,¡± she said kindly, just like always. I turned to her with a faint smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± La It had been a long time since anyone had offered me sincere help like that. Even such a small gesture¨Cwashing the dishes¨Cfelt strangelyforting. Maybe becausetely, every moment felt like walking barefoot on hot coals. 21 Sincerity 21 Sienna¡¯s POV I stepped out of the kitchen and my eyes immediately found Noah sitting cross¨Clegged in the living room. His small frame hunched over the tiny table, crayons in hand, busy scribbling on his drawing paper. I walked slowly, making my way toward him. ¡°Noah,¡± I called softly. He didn¡¯t respond, but smiled when he realized I was there. There was a simple, innocent joy in his smile that warmed my heart, if only slightly. ¡°What are you drawing?¡± I asked, crouching beside him. Without hesitation, he held up the paper and showed it to me proudly. ¡°This is my family.¡± I looked at the drawing. There were three figures, sketched with bright, cheerful colors. In the center, a small child with the name Noah written above him. On the left, a man with ck hair and a tie¨Cclearly Liam. And on the right¡­ a woman with long hair in a red dress. Emily. Her name was written, too. I wasn¡¯t in the picture. I wasn¡¯t part of that family. My smile faded instantly, though I quickly masked it. I swallowed and forced the corners of my mouth to lift again. ¡°That¡¯s beautiful,¡± I said, my voice slightly trembling. ¡°So colorful. Aunt Emily¡¯s wearing a red dress, huh?¡± Noah nodded eagerly, proud. ¡°Yep! Aunt Emily likes red. Daddy says she looks pretty in red.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± I nodded slowly, my eyes still fixed on the drawing. My gaze lingered on the empty space where maybe I should¡¯ve been but wasn¡¯t. In Noah¡¯s little world, I had already been reced. Erased, even. Without realizing it, I rubbed my chest. That crushing feeling returned, tightening from within. But I kept smiling, kept trying to look calm in front of Noah. He had no idea how those colorful crayons were quietly tearing my heart to shreds. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Mommy in the picture?¡± I asked softly, barely a whisper. Noah shrugged, his answer innocent. ¡°Because Mommy¡¯s not part of the family anymore, righ The words struck like a de. I wanted to reply. To say I was still his family. That I never stopped being his mother. But my voice was gone¨Cswallowed by pain too deep to name. Noah turned back to his drawing, adding a few extra colors. I remained there beside him, staring at the paper, trying to memorize its shape, its colors, and the ache it left behind. Because maybe, when I¡¯m truly gone one day, that might be the only piece of memory left¨Ceven if I wasn¡¯t in it. I exhaled, swallowing all the bitterness, and as I was about to stand, my eyes identally caught a new photo frame that had reced mine. Its ss gleamed, and its position was impossible to miss, as if deliberately ced so everyone would see it. I stepped closer. Slowly. Inside the frame was a photo of Noah, smiling brightly between Liam and Emily. Three people. Perfect. As if they were always meant to be. As if that was what a ¡°family¡± was supposed to look like. But¡­ I wasn¡¯t there. There was no Sienna. My hand gently brushed the frame¡¯s ss. I stared at Noah¡¯s grin¨Cthe same smile I used to see when I held him. And Liam¡­ smiling with pride. Then Emily, standing confidently between them, as if she belonged there. In the spot that once was mine. Suddenly Noah looked over at the frame. ¡°That¡¯s our new photo,¡± he said proudly. I tried to smile. ¡°Yes, Mommy sees it.¡± But that smile slowly faded, and I couldn¡¯t stop the question that slipped out, a quiet sigh more than anything. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Mommy in that photo too?¡± ¡­as if the a Noah shrugged casually, as if the answer was simple. ¡°Mommy doesn¡¯t belong in it, right? Mommy¡¯s not part of the family anymore.¡± My world stopped spinning. His words weren¡¯t meant to be cruel. He didn¡¯t say them in anger. He just¡­ spoke the truth. The kind of truth only children can offer¨Cwith a rity that cuts deeper than anything else. I turned slowly toward Liam, hoping he¡¯d say something. Disagree, maybe. But he didn¡¯t. He just stood there¨Cexpressionless. No denial, no exnation, not even a flicker of guilt. His silence was consent. Emily stood nearby. Her gaze held a quiet satisfaction, and she made no move to stop Noah. No correction. No change of topic. She simply let the moment unravel¨Cjust as she always did¨Callowing it to tear apart the only person who had never truly been weed from the beginning. I held my breath for a moment, then forced a stiff smile. ¡°If Mommy really doesn¡¯t belong¡­¡± I looked at Noah gently, trying to stay strong even though my eyes burned. ¡°Mommy won¡¯t be here much longer.¡± Noah gave a small nod, then turned and ran toward Emily, unaware of everything His smile was wide. The kind of smile he used to save just for me. He hugged Emily tightly, so warm, like she was his only home now. Like she was the shelter that once was mine. ¡°Auntie, let¡¯s read a story!¡± Noah shouted, beaming up at Liam. Liam bent down, ruffled Noah¡¯s hair gently, and nodded. ¡°Daddy,e too!¡± Noah said. Then, without hesitation, he took Emily¡¯s hand and Liam¡¯s hand at the same time¨Clike a little child clinging to hisplete, perfect family. His tiny fingers clutched theirs tightly, as if afraid to let go. I could only stand frozen in the corner. Watching the scene I once dreamed of. But now¡­ I was just a spectator in my own home. ¡°Let¡¯s go! To the bedroom!¡± Noah giggled, tugging both of their hands up the stairs. They followed without protest. Emily smiled warmly. Liam matched Noah¡¯s pace. Their footsteps faded upstairs, soft but loud in my ears. Echoing. Pounding in my chest. I wanted to call Noah¡¯s name. To say I could still read him bedtime stories. That I still remembered every word of his favorite book. But my lips wouldn¡¯t move. Something invisible held them shut.. I could only stare nkly, watching their shadows disappear behind the stairs. Sincerity 22 Sienna¡¯s POV I walked slowly to my room, down the hallway that once felt warm but now seemed so unfamiliar. The dim lights on the walls cast faint shadows that followed my steps, but it wasn¡¯t the darkness that made my feet feel so heavy. As I passed by Noah¡¯s room, a sound stopped me in my tracks. Hisughter¨Csoft, innocent, unrestrained. A sound I knew by heart. But tonight, I wasn¡¯t the reason for it. I heard Emily¡¯s voice clearly, reading aloud from a storybook. Then Liam joined in, mimicking funny character voices¨Cthe same way I used to. And again, Noahughed. I stood in front of the door, unable to open it. Just standing still. My back slumped against the wall, my hand clutching the hem. of my shirt tightly. I bit my lip, trying to hold back whatever was starting to rise behind my eyes. 1 I thought I was strong enough. I thought¡­ I was numb enough. But it turns out, I could still shatterpletely¨Cjust from hearing my son¡¯sugh that no longer came because of me. I walked away quickly before they realized I had been there. I shut my bedroom door slowly, as silently as I could, as if even my presence needed to remain invisible. I moved to the small table in the corner, my eyes falling on the calendar pinned to the wall. Today¡¯s date was circled in red. I had marked it a week ago. And just three days from now¡­ My hand reached out to touch the date, brushing against it as if I could erase it all. But the ink stayed, stubborn, like a decision that could no longer be undone. I stared at that red circle for a long time, hoping to find a reason to stay. But all I found was silence¨Cand a pain that only grew tighter in my chest. Three more days. Just three more, and this will all be over. At least, this part of my life¨Cthe part that hurts so much¨Cwill end. I¡¯ll leave. This house. This town. And maybe¡­ the quiet, foolish hope that I could ever be part of that family again. I turned away from the calendar and looked at the suitcase in the corner. It wasn¡¯t full yet, but full enough to remind me that I didn¡¯t have much time left. Every second was part of a countdown to something I already knew would hurt. But I still had to do it. I sat at the edge of the bed. The mattress was the same, the sheets the same, even the nket I¡¯d once picked out myself when we first moved here. But none of it felt warm anymore. Just cold. Like memories that no longerforted. Like a story that had ended¨Cand I was just a side character no one remembered to write into the final scene. My phone buzzed on the table. A message from Laura. [Are you really leaving without saying goodbye, Sienna?] I stared at the screen for a long time before putting the phone down again. I didn¡¯t know what to say. Am I a coward¨Cfor leaving like this without a word? Or¡­ am I simply too tired to exin to anyone that I no longer belong here? My hand reached into the desk drawer and pulled out an old photograph. The three of us¨Cme, Liam, and Noah. Noah had been three at the time, sitting on Liam¡¯s shoulders, while Iughed holding a bright blue balloon. Back then, I really thought everything would be okay. I held the photo close. Not se I wanted the past back. But because I needed to remember what it felt like to be loved. Because now, it feels like no one in this house loves me anymore. And maybe¡­ maybe that¡¯s reason enough to go. I woke up gasping, bolting upright as if pulled from a nightmare that felt far too real. My chest heaved, drenched in cold sweat. My hair clung to my temples, and the pillow beneath me was damp from the fear that still lingered. The dream¡­ I couldn¡¯t remember it all clearly. Just fragments¨CNoah calling Emily ¡°Mommy,¡± Liam¡¯s cold stare, and me, standing alone in an empty room slowly swallowed by darkness. No one turned around. No one heard me crying. I touched my forehead. Burning hot. My whole body felt like it was both freezing and on fire. I tried to take a deep breath, to steady myself, then slowly stepped off the bed. But the moment my feet touched the floor, everything spun. My vision swam, and I copsed sideways, hitting the bed frame before crumpling to the floor. ¡°Ouch!¡± I gritted my teeth, pain shooting up my arm. My limbs were weak, drained. I reached out across the floor, feeling around until my fingers found the nightstand. I pulled myself close and opened the drawer with shaking hands, grabbing a small bottle of fever medicine and a ss of water I¡¯d ced there days ago. It took everything in me to swallow the tablet. The water tasted bitter, the pill nearly lodged in my throat. But I got it down. I slumped against the bed, letting my body rest on the carpet. My breathing was stillbored, sweat still pouring from my forehead and down my neck. I didn¡¯t have the strength to stand. The room was still cloaked in darkness. Only the faint glow of the bedsidemp kept mepany in this silent night. I thought I could survive tonight quietly. But even sleep had betrayed me. Even my dreams wanted me to feel like I didn¡¯t matter. I dragged myself back onto the bed, curling up under the nket. My body trembled. I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to warm myself. ¡°Just a little more,¡± I whispered. A new morning was just starting to slip through the curtains, soft light stretching across the room. But my body still felt heavy. The fever hadn¡¯t gone down. My head throbbed, clouded in haze. Every inch of me ached. My throat was dry and sore. Sincerity 23 23 Sienna¡¯s POV I was still curled up under the nket, wishing I could get through the morning without having to face anyone. But that wish dissolved the moment I heard a knock at the door. ¡°Sienna,¡± Liam¡¯s voice came through, t and devoid of anypassion. ¡°Get breakfast and the pic packed. We¡¯re going out My eyes flew open. It took a few seconds for the words to fully register. I tried to respond with a hoarse voice, ¡°L¡­ I¡¯m sick, Liam. I have a fever. Can¡¯t you ask one of the maids? I really need to rest.¡± But all I heard was a long sigh from the other side of the door, followed by his voice, louder and colder this time. ¡°I asked you to do it, not someone else. Everything needs to be ready in an hour. Don¡¯t make excuses. His footsteps faded down the hall¨Cno questions, no concern. I could only cover my face with my hands. I wanted to cry, but even tears wouldn¡¯te. Maybe I¡¯d run out of strength for that. too. My body was still trembling as I slowly forced myself out of bed. My legs wobbled when they touched the floor, but I made myself move to the bathroom just to ssh water on my face. The cold water against my fevered skin felt like needles. I stared at my reflection in the mirror¨Cpale, swollen eyes, messy hair. There was no trace left of the woman who used to burn with life. I dragged my body downstairs, step by painful step, gripping the wall for support. The lower floor was already filled with noise- Noah¡¯sughter and Emily¡¯s soft humming as she got things ready. But it all felt so far away¡­ like it belonged to someone else. I entered the kitchen in silence. My hands trembled as I gripped the cutting board, my head spinning as I prepared the ingredients. But I forced myself, as always. I cooked the rice, fried the eggs and chicken, cut up fruit, arranged everything neatly into lunch boxes. I did it all while enduring the sharp aches shooting through every part of my body. Not because I was strong. But because I had no other choice. Because in this house, my illness was not a valid reason. Because my presence was treated like a shadow. Because they would carry on without me. And maybe¡­ It was time they did. Today, they would go out and have fun. And I would watch from afar. Again. As always. The heat from the stove mixed with the heat from my body made the room spin. The knife nearly slipped from my hand as my vision blurred. The sizzling pan sounded distant, like an echo in an empty tunnel. I clung to the counter, trying to stay upright, but my body wouldn¡¯t obey. ¡°Mrs. Sienna!¡± The housemaid¡¯s voice cried out behind me, rushing over to catch me before I copsed. I bit my lip, trying to keep the weakness from taking over. My breath came in short gasps, cold sweat soaked my temples. ¡°You¡¯re burning up¡­ Come sit down!¡± The housemaid said in a panic, helping me into a chair. But before I could catch my breath, heavy footsteps entered the kitchen. Liam stood there, his expression annoyed, eyes devoid of even the slightest concern. ¡°If you can¡¯t handle it, don¡¯t force it,¡± he said tly, like I was just an inconvenience in his morning. I looked at him, still struggling to breathe. There wasn¡¯t a single caring word from his mouth. Not one question about whether I was okay. Just judgment¡­ as if I¡¯d failed a simple task. At that moment, I realized¨Cmy pain didn¡¯t even register in his heart. I closed my eyes for a second, taking a long breath even though it burned in my lungs. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± I whispered to myself more than anyone else. Even though I was trembling and still dizzy, I forced myself to stand. I gripped the edge of the table for support. ¡°I¡¯ll finish the lunch,¡± I said quietly, with a smile so faint it barely existed. Liam stood in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, wearing that same unreadable expression. No concern, no empathy. Just a tired sigh, as though watching me like this was exhausting. ¡°You always exaggerate everything, Sienna. A little fever and it¡¯s already a full performance.¡± My heart sank. But I stayed silent. I was too tired to defend myself. I reached for the lunch boxes, finishing the sandwiches I¡¯d half prepared, arranging the fruit I¡¯d already cut. But as I stretched to grab a ss from the top shelf, my vision spun again. My body swayed, and the ss slipped from my hand. The shattering sound broke the morning stillness. ss exploded across the floor, fragments scattering everywhere. I stared down, shaking. ¡°What now?¡± Liam¡¯s voice boomed, his steps quickly approaching. I stood frozen, staring at the broken ss, my body trembling, my heart feeling just as shattered. Liam looked at me with sharp eyes, as if trying to decide whether I deserved sympathy or if this was just another act. ¡°Still sick?¡± he asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°If you couldn¡¯t do it, why didn¡¯t you just stay in bed? Why wait until you made a scene for everyone?¡± I held my breath. With everything I had. From the living room, Noah¡¯s voice rang out¨Cclear and loud. ¡°Mommy¡¯s such a crybaby! Auntie Emily is strong¨Cshe cooks at Daddy¡¯s house too!¡± That voice¡­ it hit harder than anything Liam had said. The little boy who used to cry in my arms after falling off his bike now spoke with loyalty that wasn¡¯t mine. I turned slowly. Emily was already beside Noah, her expression awkward, like someone who didn¡¯t want to be involved but still wanted to be seen as kind. ¡°Maybe¡­maybe we should just buy food from outside,¡± she said gently, as if trying to ease the tension. || Noah immediately cheered. ¡°Yay! I want a burger! Aunt Emily, let¡¯s get the one we hadst time!¡± 24 S Sincerity 24 ienna¡¯s POV I lowered my head. The wound inside me tore open even wider when Liam responded to the suggestion with a tone as if it had Just saved the morning. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s a much better idea. I¡¯m not even sure that food is safe if you¡¯re the one cooking. What if it¡¯s contagious?¡± The words¨Ccold, cruel, and tossed out so carelessly¨Cmade my eyes sting with heat. But I didn¡¯t cry. Not in front of them. I just bent down and started picking up the shards of ss from the floor, one by one, with my bare hands. The maid rushed to grab a broom, but I stopped her. ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± I whispered. Emily said nothing more. She gently pulled Noah away and started chatting with him about their ns for the day. Liam chose to walk off to prepare the car, leaving the kitchen inplete silence once more. I stayed there, picking up the pieces of ss, wiping the floor clean from the spilled water. In that silence, I tried to gather what remained of my pride, scattered like the broken ss beneath me. My body was still hot, sweat soaking my temples and neck, but I stayed on my feet. I kept moving. As if the moment I stopped, everything would copse for good. As if I still had one reason left to hold on. Even though¡­ There were only two days left. I could get through three days. Couldn¡¯t I? When they finally left the house¨CNoah¡¯sughter echoing outside, the car door shutting behind them¨CI stood behind the kitchen curtain, watching from afar. Liam opened the car door for Emily, and Noah sat in the middle, holding both their hands. So cheerful, soplete, so easily reced¡­ so easily forgotten. I gripped the edge of the curtain tightly, my fingers trembling despite the warm morning air. My eyes followed that small figure -now the center of a world that had no ce left for me. Noahughed as Emily kissed his cheek, and Liam leaned back in his seat with a chuckle. As if¡­ as if nothing was missing from their lives. As if my absence brought them peace. As if my not being there was the best decision for everyone Except for me. I thought it would be easier to see them happy. I thought I was mature enough to ept that Noah¡¯s happiness was more important than anything else. But the pain still crept in. It didn¡¯t care how much logic I threw at it. It stayed. Solid. Cold. My tears almost fell as the car slowly drove away from the front yard. I stepped back a few paces and slid down to sit against the kitchen wall, my breath heaving as if I had just run miles. When really¡­ I had only stood. Only watched. Only realized¡­ not a single one of them looked back at the window. Not one searched for me. No ¡°Where¡¯s Mommy?¡± from Noah. No backward nce from Liam. No hesitation in Emily¡¯s eyes. They didn¡¯t look back. And I knew¨Cthat was the truth. I slowly stood up, took a deep breath, then turned on the kitchen faucet. I washed my hands, still dusty and cut from the broken ss. And then suddenly, I caught my reflection in the kitchen window. Swollen eyes. Hollow cheeks. Hair in disarray¨Cubed since night. This woman¡­.wasn¡¯t the Sienna I used to be. Not the strong mother. Not the warm wife. Not someone sought after, let alone needed. But in two days¡­ it would all be over. I just had to get through these two days. After that¨Cwhatever happened I would leave, taking with me whatever remained of my shattered self. Or maybe¡­ I wouldn¡¯t take anything at all. The air outside felt just a little warmer as I stepped out of the house. My body still weak, but I knew I had to get myself checked. Not toin¨Cjust to make sure I could still stand for the next two days. The trip to the hospital felt quiet. Even the usually busy streets seemed to mirror my solitude today. In the hospital waiting room, my eyes instinctively scanned my surroundings. A young woman sat beside her husband, their hands intertwined, her head resting sweetly on his shoulder. In the corner, a mother tried to soothe a crying toddler in her arms. Elsewhere, a man read a storybook to his little girl dressed head to toe in pink. I gave a small, bitter smile. Everything I saw felt foreign, yet painfully familiar. Something I once¡­ had. And now, it all seemed distant, like memories slowly fading behind a fogged¨Cup window. My name was called. I walked into the doctor¡¯s room with slow, steady steps. The weight of my breath still lingered in my chest, but at least I didn¡¯t faint today. A middle¨Caged female doctor greeted me kindly. ¡°What brings you here today, Ma¡¯am?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling dizzy often. Mild nausea. And¡­ My body feels extremely tiredtely. Sometimes I can¡¯t sleep,¡± I answered honestly. She nodded, checking my blood pressure, then my temperature and heart rate. When she looked at me again, there was something soft in her eyes¨Cso gentle that it nearly broke me. ¡°There¡¯s nothing seriously wrong, physically. But based on the symptoms, this is more about exhaustion mixed with stress. Your body¡¯s running on empty, maybe your mind too. You need to rest. Eat regrly. Try to ease your thoughts.¡± I nodded slowly, swallowing her words even as my throat tightened. Then, I gave a small smile. ¡°Just two more days, Doc. After that¡­ Everything will be better. I promise I¡¯ll rest.¡± She seemed puzzled, but only gave me a brief nod. She didn¡¯t ask further questions, and I was grateful for that. F There was no point in exining that my contract would end in two days. No need to tell her about the untouched lunches, theughter that wasn¡¯t mine, or the kind of pain that leaves no bruises. I left the room with a small stic bag filled with vitamins and mild sedatives. On the way home, I stopped by the bus shelter and let the sun warm my face. Then something caught my eye. A car stopped right in front of the shelter at the red light. My eyes instinctively turned to it. Sleek ck. A license te too familiar to ignore. My stomach dropped. It was Liam¡¯s car. And in the front seat sat her. Emily.. Laughing. Her head tilted toward Liam, lips curved into a smile that anyone could fall for too easily. In the back seat, Noah held a small plush toy, babbling cheerfully. His hands moved animatedly, his mouth wide open as if he were telling a funny story. Emily turned around, then burst outughing, pping Liam¡¯s thigh as if to affirm whatever Noah had just said. They¡­ looked happy. Sincerity 25 Sienna¡¯s POV I stopped at the entrance of the supermarket. My body still felt tired, but my mind refused to rest. Tomorrow would be thest day¨Cmy final day in this house, in their lives. But I didn¡¯t want it to be a sad farewell. I wanted to end everything gently, like the final episode of a favorite drama¨Cone that leaves you with both a smile and tears. Not with wounds. Not with anger or sharp words that would haunt them¨Cor me¨Cforever. So I walked in, pushing the cart slowly. The mall lights were harsh on my eyes, the sounds of running children, store music, and discount announcements never felt this foreign before. 1 stopped at the meat aisle. I picked out a cut of beef¨CLiam¡¯s favorite, back when I used to cook beef wellington for him. I paused, staring at it. It had been a long time since I cooked with love for him. At the vegetable rack, I grabbed carrots and baby potatoes. I remembered how much Noah loved my mashed potatoes he once said the texture reminded him of clouds. A small smile tugged at my lips. At the seafood section, I picked up fresh shrimp. Emily might be better at cooking healthy meals, but Noah always got excited when I made crispy fried shrimp. His eyes would light up, and he¡¯d hug me tightly, telling me I cooked like the chefs on his favorite cooking shows. I filled the cart with the best ingredients¨Ceven picked up Liarn¡¯s favorite wine, the one we used to share on anniversaries. I didn¡¯t care if he no longer remembered. This wasn¡¯t about memories¨Cit was about ending things properly. Then, my steps halted at the toy section. I knew it was silly, but I just stood there, staring at the shelves filled with toy cars, dinosaurs, and light¨Cup robots. My gazended on arge box: the Transformer X¨C10. The toy Noah had been asking for the past few months. I had said it was too expensive, that he already had too many. He never argued, just nodded quietly. But I knew he was disappointed. Now¡­ I could finally give it to him. I reached for the box and hugged it tight. I didn¡¯t even realize my eyes were beginning to sting. I wiped the corners of my eyes. quickly before anyone could notice. I told myself this wasn¡¯t sadness. This was warmth¨Cthe kind that end. But at least¡­ it was an end I chose myself. After paying, I walked out slowly. Night had fallen, and the soft breeze fluttered my thin jacket. I gripped the shopping bags tightly¡ªnot just groceries, but fragments of memory, regret, and hope. The cart was returned. Now it was just me, the bags, and the walk toward the ending I had made peace with. I didn¡¯t go home right away. For some reason, my feet led me to the small park across the mall. It wasn¡¯t a special ce. But tonight, I needed it¨Ca quiet spot to sit, to breathe, to convince myself that I wasn¡¯t running away. I was saying goodbye, calmly. I sat on a wooden bench still damp with evening dew and opened my phone. There were a few messages from Emily asking if I¡¯d bought Noah¡¯s vitamins, and one from Liam¨Cjust a single sentence: Don¡¯t forget the milk. I smiled. Cold. Ordinary. As always. And oddly enough, it didn¡¯t weigh on me anymore. I now knew what to expect and what not to. 1 opened an old digital note I had saved. A tiny list titled ¡°Things I Want to Do If I Have to Leave.¡± 1/2 There were five items. Four were already crossed off: Make Noah¡¯s favorite breakfast Buy the Transformer X¨C10. Cook beef wellington for Liam onest time. Write a small letter to Emily, even if she might not read it right away. Only one remained: ¡°See them smile before I go.¡± I held my phone tighter. I didn¡¯t know if I¡¯d get to cross that one off. But I would try. The sound of childrenughing by the slide caught my attention. They ran freely, without burdens, untouched by sorrow. It reminded me of when Noah was three, when he climbed the slide for the first time on his own. He cried from fear butughed so hard afterward that he fell on his bottom. Iughed with him, then pulled him into a hug. It felt like yesterday. Time moves so fast. And sometimes, loss doesn¡¯te through death. Sometimes, we lose our ce in someone¡¯s heart while we¡¯re still alive¨Cstill here. I took a deep breath. Then stood. I still had one more night. One more chance to fill the dining table withughter. To leave behind a memory not of fights or Liam¡¯s cold silences. I didn¡¯t know what they¡¯d feel after I left. But I wanted them to know: I tried my best. I loved them with all I had¨Ceven if, in the end, I chose not to stay. I walked back toward the parking lot, carrying bags full of hope and memory. A thin smile on my lips¨Cnot out of joy, but because, for the first time, I wasn¡¯t afraid of the end anymore. When I got home, I went straight to the kitchen and began putting everything away. The fridge was full, and my heart felt a little lighter. I tucked the gift box into the closet and locked it tight. Tomorrow morning, I¡¯d wrap it in a blue ribbon¨CNoah¡¯s favorite color. I turned on the kettle, made myself a cup of chamomile tea, and sat in the living room. The house was quiet. Liam, Noah, and Emily weren¡¯t home yet¨Cwhere they were, I didn¡¯t know. But I didn¡¯t feel alone. Tonight¡­ I just wanted to enjoy the calm before this small storm passed. My eyes shifted to the right. The photo¨CLiam, Noah, and Emily¨Cstill stood proudly on the shelf. I walked over and stared at it in silence. Then slowly, I reached out and touched the ss frame. ¡°Tomorrow night,¡± I whispered. ¡°Will be thest time I stand in this room as Noah¡¯s ¡®Mommy.¡® And you¡­ as my husband.¡± Sincerity 26 lenna¡¯s POV I didn¡¯t regret it. I was grateful to have loved. Grateful to have been a part of this little family, even if in the end, I was pushed out. The front door opened with a creak, followed by Noah¡¯s unmistakable giggle echoing through the house. I was in the kitchen, slicing strawberries¨Cprepping a little treat for tomorrow. But his quick footsteps rushing toward me suddenly made my chest feel heavy. [¡°Careful, Noah,¡± I called instinctively, though he hadn¡¯t yet appeared. A secondter, there he was¨Cstanding in front of the kitchen counter, proudly holding up arge box, his face beaming with joy. ¡°Mommy, look! Aunt Emily got me this! It¡¯s the Transformer X¨C10¨Cthe coolest one ever!¡± he shouted, eyes sparkling. He held the box up high like a trophy, showing off the robot toy he¡¯d dreamed of for so long The knife in my hand froze mid¨Cair. My breath caught in my throat. Transformer X¨C10. The toy I had just bought earlier today. The one I¡¯d carefully locked away in my closet, nning to give him tomorrow. The gift I had chosen to bring him happiness on myst day in this house. But now, here it was. In his hands. From someone else. From Emily. I swallowed hard, forcing a smile, trying to hide the warmth gathering at the corners of my eyes. ¡°Wow¡­¡± I said, my voice barely a whisper. ¡°That¡¯s really cool, sweetheart. Aunt Emily¡­ bought it for you?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Noah beamed, hugging the box as if afraid someone might take it away. ¡°Aunt Emily always knows what I want! Not like Mommy¨Cyou always say, ¡®Maybeter, Noah, not now, it¡¯s expensive,¡® or ¡®Wait for your birthday!¡® Hmph.¡± I fell silent I slowly set the knife down, my heart absorbing every word¨Cso innocent, so honest, yet cutting deeper than anything else ever could. I knew I¡¯d postponed buying that toy¨Cnot because I was stingy, but because I wanted to teach Noah about patience, about appreciation. But to a child his age¡­ I probably just seemed cheap. Nothingpared to someone who always arrived with a smile and a surprise. Suddenly, I heard Liam¡¯s footsteps behind Noah. He nced at us briefly. ¡°Emily knows exactly what Noah wants. Not like his mother. Good¨Cless whining now,¡± he said, deliberately loud enough for me to hear, his tone sharp, indifferent. Emily came in behind him, holding several shopping bags. ¡°He¡¯s been eyeing it for a while, right? I figured, why wait for his birthday? Kids like getting things now, notter.¡± I forced a smile. ¡°Yeah¡­ that¡¯s true,¡± I murmured. ¡°As long as Noah¡¯s happy.¡± Noah dashed off to the living room, hugging his toy, while Emily joined him on the couch. I stood alone in the kitchen, staring at the half¨Csliced strawberries. The knife stilly beside the cutting board, but suddenly¡­ the world felt unbearably quiet. Even this kitchen felt like a foreign ce. My bones ached¨Cnot from housework, but from constantly trying to stay in a space that had no room left for me. And in that moment, I realized¡­ tomorrow wouldn¡¯t just be myst day in this house. It would be thest day I held hope of still being part of their story. I closed the fridge slowly. The cold air brushed my face but wasn¡¯t nearly enough to cool the heat swelling in my chest. I could hear Noah¡¯sughter and Emily¡¯s voice in the living room¨Cit all sounded distant now, like echoes from a world I no longer belonged to. My steps felt heavy as I brought the strawberries to the dining table. I listened to Emily animatedly talking about a new toy store that had just opened at the mall,plete with promotions she said were too good to pass up. Liam chimed in asionally,ughing, offering drinks¨Cacting as if I weren¡¯t even in the room. As if I hadn¡¯t once spent nights on that very couch, nursing Noah through his fever. As if I were nothing but a shadow. I drank the rest of my water¨Clukewarm and tasteless. Like my final days in this house. Not because there was no vor, but because I had be too numb to taste anything. ¡°Noah!¡± Emil Emily called from the living room. ¡°Let¡¯s build your toy together! Auntie already read the manual!¡± ¡°Yay!¡± Noah responded excitedly, his little feet pattering toward the couch. Without realizing, I found myself watching them through the kitchen doorway. Emily gently smoothed Noah¡¯s hair, straightened his cor, and kissed the top of his head¨Cthe way I used to. And Noah¡­ Noahughed. Freely. Comfortably. As if all the silent pain I carried meant nothing. As if my presence could be reced with one sweet kiss and an expensive toy. Liam stood. ¡°I¡¯m heading upstairs for a shower,¡± he said. And without looking my way, he climbed the stairs. I, too, began walking¨Ctoward the back staircase. Not to go up, but to slip out the side door. I needed air. I needed to step away from a house that more and more felt like a museum of memories I was no longer allowed to touch. an Out on the back porch, the sky had already gone dark. The night breeze carried the scent of damp earth, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures began to softly hum in the distance. I sat on the first step, hugging my knees to my chest. And there there is where I finally cried. Silently. Endlessly. Like a dam that cracked¡­ and then simply gave way. I knew that tomorrow, I would need to be strong. I would have to stand tall, sign the documents, and officially let go of this house, this family, and all the quiet hopes I had once held so tightly. But tonight¡­ let me fall apart. Let me say goodbye without words. Because maybe¡­ that¡¯s the only thing I can still do as ¡°Noah¡¯s mother.¡± Sincerity 27 Sienna¡¯s POV This morning felt different. I woke up earlier than usual, even before the sun greeted my bedroom window. My body was still tired, but a strange, flickering energy stirred in my chest. Maybe it was because today¡­ I wanted to give them onest beautiful memory. Something warm. Something sweet, even if I knew they might not remember it for long. I started by heating the oven, pulling out the marinated beef I¡¯d prepared the night before. My hands moved swiftly in the kitchen, cooking one dish after another¨Ceach of their favorites. Stir¨Cfried shrimp, egg corn soup, fresh sd, and Noah¡¯s favorite: chicken wings. I even made stuffed sandwiches for ate¨Cnight snack. While the food was baking, I washed Noah¡¯s favorite blue dinosaur nket. It had been a while, and I wanted him to sleep tonight wrapped in something clean and fragrant. Then I ordered a chocte cake from our usual bakery. It was meant for Noah¡¯s uing birthday¨Cbut tonight, I just wanted there to be something sweet they could all enjoy. Iid out breakfast carefully on the dining table¨Csausages, eggs, toast, and chocte milk. I even added a small bowl of fresh fruit, something I hadn¡¯t had time to do in a long while. As I was folding napkins beside the tes, I heard heavy footstepsing down the stairs. Liam appeared, looking tired, his eyes still not fully open. He stopped at the entrance to the dining room, nced at the table full of food, then at the half¨Cmessy kitchen. A frown formed. on his face. ¡°Why so much food this early in the morning?¡± he asked tly. I looked up and tried to smile, even though I knew he didn¡¯t care to see it. ¡°I just¡­ wanted us all to have dinner together tonight,¡± I answered softly. ¡°I thought¨Cit¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve all sat down at the same table. There¡¯s something I want to say too.¡± Liam raised an eyebrow, pausing. ¡°If you had something to say, why not bring it up before?¡± he replied, walking to the water dispenser and pouring himself a ss. ble. When it¡¯s just I bit my bottom lip and looked at him directly. ¡°I¡­ I really do want to talk. But I¡¯d like to say it tonight. At the table. When the three of us.¡± Liam gave a small nod, expression unreadable. ¡°Alright. No ns tonight. I¡¯ll eat at home.¡± A wave of quiet relief crept into my chest. His words were cold, but at least he¡¯d be there. That was enough for me. He walked into the kitchen, his eyes scanning the counters and the pans I hadn¡¯t gotten around to cleaning yet. His gaze stopped at the oven, which was starting to release the savory aroma of roasted meat. ¡°This¡­¡± he said, pointing. ¡°This is my favorite cut, isn¡¯t it?¡± I nodded quickly, a momentary warmth blooming like a flower in winter. ¡°Yes. I remember you like it roasted with honey and rosemary.¡± He gave a slight nod, then pulled out a chair and sat. ¡°Make me coffee,¡± he said inly. I rushed to the kitchen and made him a cup of ck coffee¨Cno sugar, just how he liked it. My hand trembled slightly as I ced it in front of him. But Liam simply took it without looking at me, lifted the cup to his lips, and took a slow sip. Silence settled between us again. But I didn¡¯t dare break it. Let the morning flow this way. I didn¡¯t want to force a conversation- afraid his tone might return to what it had been yesterday. A small set of footstepsing down the stairs made me turn toward the sound. ¡°Noah?¡± I called softly. The little boy appeared, wearing pajamas with his favorite robot print. His eyes still drowsy, hair tousled, and face nk. No smile. No morning hug like before. ¡°Mommy¡­ I want milk,¡± he said quietly. I moved quickly, grabbing a ss and pouring his favorite UHT milk. ¡°Mommy¡¯s getting it for you, sweetheart. Just a moment.¡± My hands moved instinctively, and without realizing it, I blew lightly on the rim of the ss¨Cjust like I used to, even though the milk wasn¡¯t hot. I carried the ss to the table and ced it gently in front of Noah with a warm smile. ¡°Noah, here¡¯s your milk,¡± I said softly.. He simply nodded, took a sip, and said nothing. No thank¨Cyou. No loving gaze like before. t. The painful quiet felt like a soft but deep stab. I knew¡­ maybe I wasn¡¯t the one he longed for anymore in the mornings. But still, it felt like losing something I had once held so tightly. I knelt down in front of him, gently stroking his little thigh. ¡°Noah¡­ do you want a bubble bath this morning? Mommy can make lots of bubbles. It¡¯ll be fun,¡± I said, trying to sound cheerful. Noah¡¯s eyes instantly lit up. ¡°Bubble bath? Like during the holiday?¡± I nodded. ¡°Yes, the one with the yellow duck too. Mommy still keeps it.¡± Noah beamed. For the first time this morning, that smile appeared, and like a warm ray in the middle of winter, it melted something inside me. But that smile wasn¡¯t for me. ¡°I¡¯m gonna call Auntie Emily!¡± he shouted, jumping off his chair and running toward the stairs. ¡°Auntie Emily! Let¡¯s take a bubble bath! Mommy set it up!¡± he called out happily. The sound of his small footsteps echoed through the house. His knock on her door and cheerful voice were clear as day. I just stood there, frozen. My chest felt tight. A silent kind of ache. I should be happy¨Che was excited. I should feel proud that my little n to cheer him up worked. But why¡­ why did it feel so suffocating? I turned to the bathroom, turned on the warm water, and started preparing the bath just like I promised. I poured in the kid- friendly soap with a fruity scent, added the bubble bath solution until the tub filled with soft foam. I ced the little yellow duck in the middle, letting it float among the mountain of white bubbles, ¡°Mommy set it all up,¡± I whispered to myself. My hands tried to stay steady, but a subtle tremble betrayed me. I turned off the faucet slowly, then sat for a moment on the small bathroom stool, hugging my knees. I wanted to be a part of his joy this morning. But he chose Emily. Again. I had to ept it¡­ with my head held high and a smile that stayed in ce. A few minutester, I heard their footsteps. Emily¡¯s softughter echoed as she told Noah to be careful. The bathroom door opened, and Noah squealed in delight at the sight of the bubble¨Cfilled tub. ¡°Look, Auntie Emily!¡± he said. I turned with a faint smile. ¡°Come on in. Mommy already warmed the water.¡± Emily smiled politely. ¡°Thanks, Sienna.¡± I just nodded. ¡°Enjoy your bath, Noah.¡± Then I stood up and walked slowly out of the bathroom, letting the door close gently behind me. It wasn¡¯t even night yet. But the tiny bruises had already begun to show, early in the day. I just hoped I¡¯d be strong enough¡­ at least until dinner. At least until everything was over. Sincerity 28 Sienna¡¯s POV Evening came faster than I expected. The aroma of roasted meat filled the kitchen, blending with the sweet scent of soup that I¡¯d kept warm on the small stove. The chocte cake I had ordered earlier was already ced carefully on the serving te, decorated with a thinyer of cream and dark chocte shavings around the edges. I even had time to iron the white cloth napkins, hoping they would add a touch of elegance to tonight¡¯s dinner table. Everything was almost ready. The table was full. Dishes Liam loved were all there¨Cck pepper beef, fresh sd with lemon dressing, and warm soup. For Noah, I made his favorite dinosaur¨Cshaped chicken nuggets, creamy cheese pasta, and even a strawberry milkshake, just like the ones I used to make for his birthday. My hands moved steadily, arranging the utensils piece by piece. Spoons lined up beside forks, napkins tucked neatly under the tes. A small candle stood at the center of the table, lit earlier as I tried to create a warm, gentle glow. And in the middle of it all, I smiled. Tired, but content. Tonight¡­ was thest night. I took a deep breath, imagining the three of us sitting together, sharing a peaceful dinner. And maybe¨Cwithout saying it aloud -1 could finally say goodbye. But then I heard footstepsing down the stairs.. I froze. Liam appeared in a crisp ck suit. A navy tie was neatly knotted around his neck. Behind him, Emily walked gracefully in a deep red satin dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair was pinned up, a glittering ne hanging around her neck. Noah¡­ He wore a small cored shirt with a light blue vest. His hair was neatlybed. I stood motionless at the edge of the kitchen, breath caught in my throat. They looked like a picture¨Cperfect family heading to an important event. So different from the hopeful dinner table I had just finished setting behind me. ¡°Where are you going?¡± I asked quietly. Liam didn¡¯t answer right away. Then a voice cut through. ¡°Mommy¡¯s just jealous!¡± Noah said loudly. ¡°She always is! Aunt Emily is taking us to a cool ce, and Mommy just wants to stay home and cook boring food! I¡¯m tired of eating here!¡± His words hit me like a storm. I turned slowly to look at him¨Cthe little boy who used to want to sit on myp during dinner, who once begged me to read him bedtime stories. Now¡­ he looked at me like I was in the way. Like I didn¡¯t belong in the happiness he¡¯d found with someone else. ¡°Aunt Emily¡¯s better! She doesn¡¯t say no to everything. Mommy¡¯s always nagging!¡± he continued. I held my breath. Swallowed the sting in my chest. My brow furrowed slightly. I walked slowly toward the dining table. I nced over everything I¡¯d prepared. The flickering candle, the fresh aroma of the food¨Ceverything suddenly felt hollow. Liam gave me a brief look but said nothing. Then he turned to Noah and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Noah cheered. ¡°Yay! Sushi and robot show!¡± Their footsteps faded. The front door opened. Then closed. I stood alone in the dining room. The soft glow of the sunset filtered through the window, casting faint reflections across the spoons and sses. I had prepared a farewell. I just didn¡¯t expect the farewell toe earlier than nned. None of them knew this was supposed to be ourst dinner together. Not just any dinner. But the night I wanted to say goodbye -without actually saying it. I slowly sat down in the chair I once shared with them. Now, it felt empty. Quiet. Lifeless. The tes were half¨Cfull. Rice gone cold. Slices of untouched salmon. A bowl of miso soup, its warmth long faded. I had reheated it twice this afternoon, hoping everything would taste just right. I wanted them to feel that the table could still be warm, like it used to be. But in the end, I was the one left behind. My hands moved slowly, clearing the dishes one by one-as if erasing thest traces of what we once were. My fingers trembled when I touched Noah¡¯s little bowl¨Cthe one he had carved in kindergarten with crooked letters: I love Mommy. He used to insist I be the one to pour his soup. ¡°It tastes different if it¡¯s not from Mommy,¡± he once said. Today, he didn¡¯t even look at me. I know I was the one who pulled away first. But I thought I still had time to make things right. I thought the wounds I caused could still be healed with sincerity. But maybe not. Maybe I waited too long to be part of their lives again. As I carried the tes into the kitchen, my foot almost slipped on the slightly damp floor. I grabbed the edge of the counter, then let out a smallugh augh that sounded more like a sob. How ironic¡­ even the floor seemed unwilling to let me stay here any longer. As if everything in this house wanted me gone. I washed the dishes in silence. There was no sound but the gentle trickle of water and the soft clinking of spoons bumping against each other. I thought, maybe this is what it feels like to be a ghost. Present, but unseen. Alive, but not truly acknowledged. And strangely¡­ I was starting to get used to the quiet. In that stillness, I nced at the clock. Seven twelve. They were probably just arriving at the restaurant. Noah must be excited, pointing at pictures of his favorite sushi. Emily would help him choose. Liam would order green tea as he always did, then smile at them. That smile I once could read just by looking into his eyes. I closed mine. If I disappeared tonight, would they even notice? Or¡­ maybe no one would really look for me until morning. I walked slowly down the hallway toward Noah¡¯s room. Quiet. Only the faint ticking of the wall clock could be heard¨Ccounting down the seconds to a solitude that grew heavier with each breath. Sincerity 29 29 Sienna¡¯s POV The door creaked softly as I opened it. Noah¡¯s room was just as always: his toy shelf a little messy, his dinosaur nket half- hanging off the bed, and his crescent¨Cshaped night light casting a dim, sleepy glow. But what caught my attention first was a shiny object on the small table by his bed. Transformer X¨C10. Gleaming. Brand new. Its bright blue eyes glowed, its metallic body sleek and solid. I stared at it in silence. This was the robot Noah had been dreaming of -and Emily was the one who gave it to him. I pulled another box from a shopping bag. My own Transformer X¨C10. Identical model. The only difference was the color- Emily¡¯s was metallic blue, mine was a warm maroon. I chose that color because Noah once said red looked like fire, ¡°like a brave hero.¡± I examined both robots, now standing side by side. They looked like brothers. Only¡­ one already had a ce in his heart, and the other might never be touched. I took a deep breath and gently ced my gift next to Emily¡¯s. Then I sat on the edge of Noah¡¯s bed. My eyes wandered around the room that used to echo withughter and tiny screams. The ce where I used to read bedtime stories. The ce where I often fell asleep waiting for Noah to drift off first. Now, everything felt unfamiliar. Too quiet for a child¡¯s room. I stared at the two robots for a long time. In my mind, I saw Noah ying, jumping, cheering, dancing. As if he were still here. Slowly, I leaned in and whispered softly, though I was the only one who could hear it. ¡°Hi, sweetheart¡­¡± My throat tightened, but I forced a small smile. ¡°Mommy just wanted to say¡­ goodbye.¡± I gently caressed the little pillow with an astronaut print. My fingers clutched its edge tightly. ¡°Mommy knows you¡¯re happy now. Mommy knows you feel safer with them¡­ and I won¡¯t take that away from you. I just¡­ I just hope you stay happy. That¡¯s all.¡± Tears welled in my eyes, but I didn¡¯t let them fall. ¡°If one day you see two identical robots and wonder why there are two¡­ just remember, Mommy wanted to make you happy too. Even if I was toote.¡± I stood slowly. Gave the room onest look. ¡°Goodbye, Noah¡­ Mommy will always be here, even if you nevere looking. I touched the heads of both robots, as if I were gently patting Noah¡¯s¨Cthough he wasn¡¯t there. Then I stepped out. Closed the door slowly behind me, leaving a part of my heart in that room¡­..with a red robot that might never be yed with. I returned to my room with slow, deliberate steps, letting the silence of the night be my onlypanion. My suitcase was nearly full, just onest item left¨Cmyptop, which I hadn¡¯t packed since yesterday. I touched it briefly, then closed it and ced it carefully among my clothes and notebooks. I had thought I¡¯d leave in the morning. Wait for sunrise. Let the daylight clear my thoughts and give me one more reason to hold on a little longer. But why? Leaving tomorrow or leaving now¡­ It wouldn¡¯t change anything. No one woulde looking. No one would ask where I¡¯d gone. I stood in the middle of the room that had long borne witness to my silence. A room always quiet, even when I cried alone in the corner of the bed. A room Liam never entered. He would stop at the doorway¨Cand only if he needed something or wanted to ask about Noah. Never more than that. I looked around the room one time. There was nothing special about it. And yet, it was so hard to leave. Maybe because this was the ce where I held on too long. Where I waited, night after night, hoping the door would open, and he¡¯d walk in just to say, ¡°I want to try loving you again.¡± But the door remained still. Just like his heart. Quietly, I stepped out, pulling my suitcase behind me with barely a sound. The hallway was dim, the lights already turned low. I paused in front of Liam¡¯s door. Closed. Always closed. I had never known what was behind it. I never went in. I never even dared to touch the doorknob. That room was never mine. It belonged to Emily. The ce where she now slept and touch¨Call the things I never had during years of marriage. I winced¨Cnot out of anger, but because I finally realized how foolish I had been to hold on for so long. Holding on to the hope that love would eventually grow, that one day Liam would open his eyes and see me as someone worthy of being loved. But what I saw was the opposite. Ever since Emily came back, I saw something in Liam that I had never seen before¨Clife. His eyes sparkled, hisughter came easier, his whole being felt more alive. I couldn¡¯t me him. Maybe Emily really was his true love. Maybe I had always been just a substitute, someone to fill the empty space that never truly opened itself to me. I continued walking down the stairs. The house was silent, with only the ticking of the wall clock and the sound of my heartbeat echoing in the stillness. I slowly opened the front door. The night air greeted me with a chill that, strangely, felt strengthening A taxi waited at the gate. The driver got out and helped me load the suitcase into the trunk. I stood still for a moment in front of the house, looking at it onest time. The house I once believed was my home. The house I cleaned every day, the house where I raised Noah, the house I decorated and cared for as if I would live there forever. But in the end, this house was never mine. And I was never truly part of anything inside it. Goodbye, I whispered in my heart. But no tears came¨Cnot tonight. Sincerity 30
  1. Slenna¡¯s POV I stepped into the taxi. The driver asked where I was heading, and I told him the name of a small vige on the outskirts of the city. As the car began to roll forward, I looked at the house once more through the window. But only for a moment. Then I turned my face to the front. No need to look back. No need to keep hoping Tonight, I chose to be the kind of woman who knows when to stop. I chose to leave, not because I lost, but because I finally understood that love can¡¯t be forced, and wounds won¡¯t heal in the ce that caused them. Inside the taxi, slowly gliding through the dusk, I clutched the bag on myp tightly. Inside it were a few clothes, some notebooks, and important documents I had quietly prepared. I didn¡¯t bring much¨Conly what I truly needed. Everything else, I left behind including the weight of the memories. I knew this pain wouldn¡¯t go away overnight. But at least by leaving, I could breathe again. I could feel like my life wasn¡¯t just about enduring for the sake of others. The taxi left the main road and turned onto a quieter street. The city lights started to flicker on, one by one. I stared out the window, trying to distract myself from the sound of Noah¡¯sughter still echoing in my ears. A sharp ache pierced my chest every time I thought of him, but I calmed it with a long breath. I didn¡¯t leave because I stopped loving that child. On the contrary -I loved him too much to stay and watch him grow up without truly being a part of his life. In the vige I was heading to, there was a small house owned by an old friend. We had worked together in the early days of my career, before all of this began. She once told me I could stay there whenever I needed a ce to breathe. Back then I justughed, never knowing a day like this would actuallye. Now, that memory of herugh reminds me I still have someone who cares. Even if it¡¯s just one person. I rested my head against the window. Outside, trees swayed in the evening breeze. Quiet. No sound of Noah, noughter from Emily, no tired sighs from Liam. Just the hum of the engine and the soft rumble of wheels against the road reminded me that I was truly alone now. But for the first time in a long while, the loneliness didn¡¯t feel scary. It felt like a beginning. A beginning of something I didn¡¯t yet understand¨Cbut I believed would be better than what I left behind. The car moved farther away, carrying my body and my resolve with it. I didn¡¯t know what life would look like after this. But one thing was certain¨Ctonight, I left for good. My phone buzzed in my hand, lighting up with a name I had been wanting to call for hours: Liliana. With trembling fingers, I pressed the green button. ¡°Hello?¡± I said, my voice unsteady. ¡°Sienna? What¡¯s going on? It¡¯s not like you to call.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­ I just wanted to say something.¡± ¡°Where are you right now?¡± Liliana¡¯s voice was sharp with worry, quick and full of emotion. I closed my eyes for a moment, swallowing the lump of pain rising in my throat. ¡°Thank you, Liliana,¡± I whispered. ¡°You¡­. you¡¯re the kindest person I¡¯ve ever had. The only one who¡¯s always been there for me¨Cno conditions, no expectations.¡± ¡°Sienna, stop it. What¡¯s going on? Where are you right now?¡± she asked again, louder this time, her voice nearly frantic. I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears before they spilled too soon. ¡°I just¡­ I wanted you to know that I love you. And I hope¡­ if we¡¯re meant to be friends for life, we¡¯ll meet again¨Cwhen the time is right.¡± ¡°Wait, what are you talking about? You¡¯re leaving? Sienna, you¡¯re only ending things with Liam¨Cnot with me! You can stay with me, you can start over. Don¡¯t do this!¡± Her voice cracked. She was almost crying. I couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer. I took a deep breath, forcing my voice to sound strong, even as it crumbled inside me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Liliana¡­ I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Then I pressed the red button. Ended the call. And before I lost my nerve, 1 powered off my phonepletely. Everything went quiet. Too quiet. My head dropped, my shoulders began to tremble, and my breath broke into sobs I could no longer suppress. I buried my face in my hands and let the tears fall¨Cunfiltered, unrestrained. I had held on too long, pretended too much, buried my pain too deep. And now it all erupted at once. I felt empty¡­ but somehow also relieved. I didn¡¯t know where I was headed, but I knew exactly where I didn¡¯t want t to return. Outside, the gray sky began to fall apart. A soft drizzle tapped against the taxi window, a sound so faint yet piercing. As if the sky understood my heart¨Cand chose to cry with me. The streetlights blurred behind the raindrops streaking down the ss, like the trail of my own tears. I sat curled up in the back seat, hugging myself as the sobs came harder. There was nothing left to hold back. My chest ached like it was trying to scream, but all that came out were fractured sobs. My tears spilled without mercy, my gasps loud and raw as the rain grew heavier outside. The driver nced at me through the rearview mirror. I knew he saw me¨Cmaybe confused, maybe sympathetic. But I didn¡¯t care. I wouldn¡¯t have cared if he stopped the car and told me to get out right then and there. I would still cry. I would still let this grief pour out, the grief I had carried too far for too long. My hands gripped the small bag on myp tightly¨Cthe one holding my lifeless phone. No more calls. No more messages to wait for. No one would be looking for me tonight. And that hurt¡­ but it also set me free. Because for the first time, I stopped tying my happiness to someone who never tried to understand me. Let me cry as hard as I need to¨Cbecause starting tomorrow, I¡¯ll learn to stand on my own. Without waiting for anyone to reach out and pull me up.
Sincerity 31 The house was already dark when I turned off the car engine. The rain had just stopped, leaving behind the faint scent of damp earth that drifted in the moment I opened the door. Emily looked tired in the front seat, and Noah¡­ was fast asleep in the back, his breathing soft and rhythmic. Slowly, I lifted Noah into my arms. His small body was limp, his head resting gently on my shoulder. My coat was still damp from the downpour, but I didn¡¯t care. My steps were slow as I climbed the stairs. The house was silent-no voices, no sign of life in the living room or kitchen. I opened Noah¡¯s bedroom door andid him down carefully on his bed. His face was calm, lips slightly parted, his little hand wrapped around a small blue pillow. Instinctively, I adjusted his nket. But then, my hand froze. My gaze was drawn to the small table beside his bed. There stood two Transformer X-10 robots. One was blue- the one I knew Emily had bought him-and the other was maroon, identical in design, only differing in color. My brow furrowed slightly. I was pretty sure Emily only bought one. She¡¯d proudly shown me the receipt, and Noah had clutched just one robot the entire ride home. So where did the othere from? I leaned in, examining the shape and branding. Yes, identical. Not a knock-off, not a cheap imitation. The same model. Just a different color. I sighed and shook my head slightly. ¡°Maybe Sienna bought it,¡± I muttered to myself. But I didn¡¯t want to think too much about it. I wasn¡¯t sure when exactly I became this unwilling to care about the little things. I stood again, watching Noah for a moment. He was growing so fast. And maybe¡­ too fast at learning how to I walked out of the room and closed the door softly. I had no desire to investigate further. Not tonight. My body was tired, my mind even more so. And honestly, what for? In the hallway, I nced briefly toward the room at the end. Sienna¡¯s room. But only for a moment. I chose to walk into my own bedroom instead, leaving the silence to settle again between the walls of this house. I entered without turning on the light. Let it be dark. I knew theyout well enough. I peeled off my rain- 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 31 ? 50% drenched shirt and draped it over the chair. My body felt cold-but it was more from the exhaustion that had piled up since earlier in the day. I stared at the faint outline of the bed, still perfectly made. There was no sound of breathing from the other side. Of course there wasn¡¯t. It had been that way for several nights now. Sienna often came homete- or didn¡¯t I stepped into the bathroom and sshed cold water on my face. It made my eyes widen slightly, but what I felt wasn¡¯t freshness-more like rity that only made the emptiness sharper. Back in the bedroom, I opened the drawer of the nightstand. A stack of papers I¡¯d moved from the office a few weeks ago sat inside. Financial reports¡­ and divorce papers. Still unsigned. Still sitting there, untouched. I didn¡¯t really know why I hadn¡¯t just signed them. Maybe I was still buying time. Or waiting for something that deep down I knew would nevere. 1 I let out a long breath and sat at the edge of the bed. Suddenly, I remembered how Noahughed earlier when the rain pelted the car windows. His eyes had squinted, and he turned to me and asked, ¡°Daddy, is the sky mad?¡± I¡¯dughed then. But now, thinking about it, all I felt was a dull ache. Because even Noah, that young, could sense a storm¡ªeven if it wasn¡¯ting from the sky. Suddenly, I heard the front door open. A quiet sound. I turned my head, waiting to see if footsteps would head toward this room. They didn¡¯t. Just the sound of shoes being hurriedly taken off¡­ then silence again. Seconds passed. I didn¡¯t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. All I knew was-I had no energy left to get up. No desire to step out and pretend everything was fine. I stared up at the barely visible ceiling in the dark. For the first time in a long time, I admitted to myself-this house no longer felt like home. I wasn¡¯t even sure we could still call ourselves a family. I leaned back slowly until my shoulders met the mattress, legs still dangling off the edge of the bed. The springs creaked softly beneath me, filling the silence like an unwanted reminder that I was still here, still breathing, still pretending to be part of something that no longer fit. Somewhere upstairs, the faint hum of the heater kicked in, a mechanical sigh that echoed the one buried deep in my chest. 11:12 AM 31 Tue 2 Sep 50% I tried closing my eyes, but rest wouldn¡¯te. My mind wouldn¡¯t stop turning-small things, random moments. The way Sienna used to hum while folding Noah¡¯sundry. How she¡¯d tap the side of her mug twice before drinking. The quiet way she exited rooms, like she never wanted to disturb anyone. I used to think that was thoughtful. Now I wasn¡¯t sure if it was just her way of disappearing without drawing attention. Downstairs, I heard the faint tter of something-keys? A bag being set down? Then nothing again. Just silence. Heavy and familiar. I still didn¡¯t move. Not interesting at all ENJOYING THE BOOK? Give it a rating to show your support! Very interesting Sincerity 32 32 Liam¡¯s POV The morning was still gray when I opened my eyes. Sunlight hadn¡¯t fully broken through the curtains yet, but the sound ofst night¡¯s rain had been reced by a silence that felt oddly irritating. Beside me, Emily was still asleep, tucked under the nket up to her chin. Her face looked tired-probably from smiling and talking too much at the gst night. I gave her a brief nce, then got out of bed. I needed coffee. My feet led me out of the bedroom. The house was still quiet. But something lingered in the air. When I reached the dining room, my steps came to a sudden stop. The table was still full. Decorative candles had burned out. Serving tes were covered with domes. An array of dishes awaited-meant forst night¡¯s dinner. My favorite roast. Sienna¡¯s creamy soup that only appeared on special asions. Fresh sd with her homemade dressing. Even a chocte cake that looked untouched. I swallowed hard. There was a strange weight in my chest-an emptiness too wide to name. I slowly approached the table. I tilted my head, trying to recall-who was thest to stand here? Whostughed, or raised a ss, or simply spoke? But no memories came. Only vague shadows of a n that never happened. I let out a long breath. The sound of the chair scraping against the floor as I pulled it out seemed louder than it should¡¯ve been. Sienna was so stubborn. She knew we had a packed schedule, yet she still insisted on that dinner. What for? I stared at the table with a frustration that was hard to put into words. She never knew her ce anymore- never realized she wasn¡¯t that important. But that¡¯s Sienna. Always quiet. Always keeping everything to herself, then expecting the rest of us to guess what¡¯s in her heart. I didn¡¯t end up making coffee. My stomach turned just looking at all that food. Not from hunger-but from a wave of guilt. Or maybe just the way she always made me feel guilty without saying a word. I walked into the hallway. My steps were slow, but they had a clear direction. Toward a room I had never really paid attention to. Sienna¡¯s room. I stood before the door for a few seconds, then knocked three times. Soft, but loud enough to be heard. No answer. 11:12 AM 32 Tue 2 Sep 50% I waited a moment, then knocked again. ¡°Sienna?¡± Still nothing. No footsteps, no creak of the bed, no sound at all from inside. I let out a slow breath. Maybe she went to the market. She did that sometimes-getting up ridiculously early just to prepare something special for breakfast. Always keeping busy in the mornings. But for who? Me? Noah? I touched the doorknob, but didn¡¯t turn it. I don¡¯t know why-it just felt strange to go in. I¡¯d always just stood here like this, just outside, never actually opening that door. So I turned away. My steps moved away from the room, like always-as if there was nothing important behind
  1. After all, if she had gone to the market, she¡¯d be back soon. Wouldn¡¯t she?
But for some reason, this morning felt different. The silence was sharper. The dining table too full. And her room-too quiet. Still, I chose to ignore it. Like I always did. Tiny footsteps echoed from upstairs. I turned my head. Noah wasing down the stairs, his hair messy, eyes still half-lidded, but his pace quickened as he clutched a robot in his hand. ¡°Daddy! Look, I got another robot, this one¡¯s red!!¡± he eximed, holding it out proudly. ¡°That¡¯s nice, Noah,¡± I said quietly. His face lit up. ¡°It¡¯s from Auntie Emily, right? I wanted the red one but it was sold out.¡± I didn¡¯t say anything. I wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. My eyes were on the robot. Emily never mentioned finding the red one. And yet-there it was. ¡°Maybe,¡± I murmured. ¡°Maybe Auntie Emily bought it for you.¡± I said it, even though I wasn¡¯t sure. Last night, I thought maybe Sienna had gotten it. But what Noah said¡­ made sense too. ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± his small voice broke through my thoughts. I turned and saw Noah standing near the dining table, his gaze locked onto something. ¡°That¡¯s my favorite cake,¡± he said eagerly, pointing. ¡°Can I have some, Daddy?¡± I nodded slowly. There was too much swirling in my head to say no to something so simple, ¡°There¡¯s no breakfast yet. Go ahead and have a slice,¡± I replied. 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 32 ? 50% ¡°I want the middle part-the one with the chocte chunks!¡± he said excitedly, climbing onto a chair and picking up a small stic knife that, oddly, was already set there, as if waiting for him. I just watched him. He looked happy. Innocent. Like everything was fine. But maybe that¡¯s exactly what made me uneasy. Footsteps came from the staircase. Emily appeared, her hair tied up hastily, still in her satin nightdress. She opened the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, took a sip, then finally noticed the table-still full. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t this been cleaned up?¡± she muttered, half-questioning, halfining. Her eyes scanned the dishes, the burnt-out candles, thece tablecloth now slightly rumpled from Noah¡¯s small hands as he enjoyed his cake. ¡°No breakfast?¡± she asked, closing the fridge door a bit too hard. I took a slow breath before answering, ¡°The maid went home yesterday morning. Said someone in her family was sick.¡± Emily nodded, but her face still held a trace of annoyance. ¡°And Sienna? Where is she?¡± ¡°Maybe the market,¡± I said tly, trying to sound convincing. ¡°If she¡¯s not in her room, that¡¯s usually where she is.¡± Emily didn¡¯t reply. She just nced at me briefly, then back at the table-this time with a faint look of confusion. Maybe she was starting to notice how excessive all that food really was. But I stayed quiet. Not interesting at all ENJOYING THE BOOK? Give it a rating to show your support! Very interesting 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 33 50% Sincerity 33 33 Liam¡¯s POV ¡°Daddy!¡± The sound of little feet pounding on the wooden floor echoed from the hallway. I had just turned on the light in the living room when Noah came running in with a scowl on his face, his eyes ssy like a child who had just lost his favorite toy. ¡°Dad!¡± he shouted. ¡°Mommy¡¯s not in her room!¡± I blinked, trying to adjust my eyes to the brightness. I sat on the couch, looking at Noah as he stood in front of me, disappointed and confused. ¡°Maybe Mommy had something to do,¡± I said, trying to sound casual. ¡°She¡¯lle hometer.¡± But even I could hear the emptiness in my voice. I didn¡¯t believe it either. Sienna hadn¡¯t shown up all day. There hadn¡¯t been any trace of her this morning. Usually, even if we didn¡¯t speak, I could feel her presence in this house. But now? It just felt empty. ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± Noahined, rubbing his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m tired of that chocte cake. It tastes like it¡¯s going bad.¡± I paused. Only then did I really notice the dining table near the kitchen. The dinner Sienna had so lovingly preparedst night was still there. Untouched. The vegetables had wilted, the meat had dried out and begun to smell sour. My chest tightened. Sienna had prepared that dinner-for us. For Noah. For this family. And none of us had appreciated it. I ran a hand through my hair, then stood up. ¡°Wait here. Daddy¡¯s going upstairs.¡± With heavy steps, I went to the bedroom. Emily was sitting in front of the mirror, her face covered in green mud mask, one hand holding her phone, scrolling without a care. The room was bright, filled with the scent of lotion and expensive perfume. A world far removed from the dining room downstairs. ¡°Emily,¡± I called. ¡°Hm?¡± she replied, not even looking up. ¡°The dining table¡¯s still full. Could you help clear it?¡± 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 33 50% Emily nced at me briefly, one eyebrow raised. ¡°Liam¡­ I¡¯m not a maid. You think I¡¯m here to clean?¡± I held my breath. ¡°Noah¡¯s hungry. He¡¯s sick of eating that same old cake. At least-¡± ¡°If he¡¯s hungry, order food,¡± she cut me off. ¡°I¡¯m on a diet. This mask needs twenty minutes to set. I can¡¯t be near heat. My pores will open again.¡± I stared at her green-coated face, not understanding how I¡¯d gotten to this point. Emily always had a reason not to do anything remotely resembling care. Not even for Noah. ¡°He¡¯s your son too,¡± I said softly. She sighed and looked back at her phone. ¡°So what? You¡¯re his dad. You handle it. Don¡¯t dump everything on
  1. Besides, I didn¡¯t give birth to him.¡±
I stared at her. That sentence cut deeper than I could exin. I didn¡¯t give birth to him-as if Noah were a burden dumped on herp, not a child born from love¡­ or at least, what we once believed was love. 2 ¡°He needs you,¡± I said atst, voice nearly a whisper. ¡°He woke up early just to find you. He was sad you weren¡¯t homest night. He thought you were mad at him.¡± Emily lifted her head and blinked, like she¡¯d just realized something. ¡°I¡¯m not mad,¡± she said tly. ¡°I¡¯m just tired. That gst night was exhausting.¡± I held my breath, trying to understand. But I was tired too. Tired of being the only adult in this house acting like a parent. ¡°I know you¡¯re tired, Em. But you need to understand¡­ I¡¯m tired too. You¡¯ve never truly been there for him. Not even for the dinner Sienna made-¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t hungry,¡± she interrupted again. ¡°And Sienna isn¡¯t my mom, Liam. She¡¯s always meddling. Always acting too close to you. Like she didn¡¯t know you¡¯re married.¡± I straightened, feeling heat rise in my chest. ¡°This isn¡¯t about Sienna. This is about you-us-as parents. I¡¯m not asking you to be perfect. I just want you to see him. See Noah. He¡¯s a little boy who just wants his mom to sit down and ask how his day was.¡± Emily raised an eyebrow. ¡°And you think I never ask?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re asking while staring at your phone, that¡¯s not caring.¡± For the first time, Emily fell silent. But only for a second. 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 33 50% ¡°I don¡¯t like how you use me. If you think you¡¯re better than me, fine. But don¡¯t use me to make yourself feel righteous.¡± I let out a shortugh. ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just want us to be a team. For Noah.¡± She stood up, the mask still on her face. ¡°I¡¯ve been a team long enough. Now it¡¯s my turn to think about me.¡± Without waiting for a reply, she walked out of the room, her house slippers squeaking with every step. I stood there, letting the door close behind her. The room turned silent. For the first time, I found myself wondering¡­ can I really keep doing all of this on my own? I walked downstairs. In the living room, Noah was still waiting. He sat clutching his red robot. ¡°Daddy will cook, okay?¡± I said, forcing a smile. Noah nodded weakly. I looked at the dining table still full of spoiled food, then at the quiet kitchen. My steps were heavy as I walked
  1. Noah¡¯s hungry, disappointed face kept shing in my mind, and somehow, I felt guilty. Sienna would¡¯ve
known what to do. But she wasn¡¯t here. The house¡­ felt far too quiet without her breath in it. I opened the fridge. The st of cold air that hit me felt almost mocking. My eyes scanned the shelves: one expired tub of yogurt, a bottle of sauce, a few boxes of instant meals whose safety I wasn¡¯t sure about. Almost everything was empty. No vegetables. No fruit. I opened the freezer. Just ice cubes and a chunk of frozen meat hard as a brick. 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 34 ¨C 50% Sincerity 34 34 Liam¡¯s POV Then I turned to the pantry. I opened the white cabs one by one-clean, but hollow. A few bottled spices, some instant coffee sachets¡­ and that was it. No instant noodles. No bread. It felt like the fridge and pantry were on strike. As if¡­ someone had deliberately left everything empty. Then I saw the eggs. In the far corner of the lowest fridge shelf. Only three left. I let out a sigh and grabbed one. ¡°Okay. Fried egg. That should be easy. With shaky confidence, I opened the drawer to find a spat and¡­ a pan. But there were three kinds. One small, one medium, one huge. Which one did Sienna usually use? I picked the medium one. It looked¡­ normal. But just as I was about to turn on the stove, I froze. ¡°Margarine, margarine¡­ where¡¯s the margarine?¡± I started opening the upper cabs. One by one. tes, sses, bowls. All neatly arranged. But no margarine. I crouched and opened the drawers below. Shopping bags, dish soap, paper towels-everything but margarine. ¡°Seriously? Even margarine has to hide?¡± I muttered. Atst, I found a small, opened tub of margarine tucked behind the farthest rack. My hand trembled slightly as I scooped some into the pan. The stove lit up. The egg cracked. A sizzle filled the air. At least¡­ one thing was going to n. But when I tried to make rice, I stopped in front of the rice cooker. I opened the lid-empty. No rice. My head heated up. ¡°This should be simple. It¡¯s just rice!¡± I opened the cabs again, searching for the bag. But I didn¡¯t even know¡­ where did Sienna usually keep it? 1 opened one big stic bin. Snacks. The next-baking tools. The third-old receipts and stic bags. ¡°Rice, for God¡¯s sake¡­ where¡¯s the rice?¡± I muttered in frustration. Suddenly, the kitchen felt unfamiliar. Like someone else¡¯s space. And me? Just a guest who¡¯d wandered in by ident. I stood frozen amid all the open cupboards, the egg in the pan burning because I¡¯d left it too long. 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 34 I quickly moved it to a te. The edges were ck. It couldn¡¯t be called a sunny-side-up-more like a ¡°suffered-side-down.¡± With one hand, I pulled my phone from my pocket. My thumb instinctively opened Sienna¡¯s contact. I pressed the phone to my ear. No dial tone. The screen showed ¡°unable to connect.¡± This was my tenth call. 50% I closed my eyes and sighed. I¡¯d been trying to reach her since morning. No answer. No reply. Not even a read receipt on myst message. Something didn¡¯t feel right. I tried to calm myself, telling my brain she just needed space. But some part of me already knew¡­ this was more than anger. More than avoidance. She was really gone. I¡­ only realized it when it was already toote. I leaned against the wall, staring at the messy kitchen, a te of burnt egg in my hand, and the guilt starting to swell in silence. How I¡¯d been so busy seeing Sienna as a shadow, not a person. How I got used to everything being there without ever asking who prepared it, who woke up earliest, who cleaned up after us when we were done. Tonight, when I couldn¡¯t even cook rice¡­ everything hit me all at once. Sienna¡¯s gone. And somehow, even without a goodbye, I knew¡­ this time, she wasn¡¯ting back. I was still standing there, unmoving, as if the wall behind me could hold the weight that had suddenly grown too heavy in my chest. The smell of burnt egg on the te grew stronger, making my stomach churn-not from hunger, but from guilt. That egg-burnt, barely edible-felt like a small symbol of my failure. As a father, as a husband, as a man who once promised to take care of this home. Noah was still sitting at the dining table, staring at his empty te, absentmindedly ying with his spoon. No whining, no tears. Just silence. The kind of silence that used to be broken by Sienna¡¯s footsteps, her softughter as she fed Noah while telling him about flowers blooming on the balcony, or how she made two versions of fried chicken-crispy for me, soft for Noah. Now there was none of that. I walked slowly to Noah and sat across from him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, kiddo,¡± I said quietly, cing the te of burnt 11:12 AM 34 Tue 2 Sep 50% egg in front of him. ¡°Daddy¡­ is still learning.¡± Noah looked at the egg, then at me. He didn¡¯t say anything, but the look in his eyes made me feel like a child being scolded by a teacher. ¡°Mommy¡¯sing home, right?¡± he whispered. I nodded, even though my heart sank. ¡°Yes. But¡­ maybe not today.¡± He gave a small nod, though it was clear he didn¡¯t fully understand. After making sure Noah took a few bites-even just one or two-I stood and walked out to the balcony. The night breeze hit my face, cold and sharp. From where I stood, I could see the little garden behind the house. The ce where Sienna used to water the flowers, where Noah took his first steps, a ce that once felt alive. I looked up at the dark sky and took a deep breath. ¡°Sienna¡­¡± GET IT N¡­ 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 35 35 35 Liam¡¯s POV 6 50% The sun hadn¡¯t fully risen yet, but the doorbell rang loudly and repeatedly. I had just finished washing my face -hair still a mess, wearing a wrinkled shirt-when I dragged myself toward the door. Before I could open it, Noah¡¯s excited voice rang out as he bolted from the living room. ¡°Grandma!¡± That cheerful shout filled the house-a house that had felt lifeless for the past two days. I opened the door. There stood Mrs. Wilson, my mother, looking neat andposed, holding tworge bags. The scent of freshly fried chicken drifted warmly into the air. Noah immediately threw his arms around her, then grabbed a piece of chicken from the bag before following his grandmother inside. I stepped aside, still trying to process her unexpected arrival. My mother didn¡¯t look at me directly. She walked in with firm steps, her head slightly raised, as if concealing her disapproval. ¡°Morning, Ma,¡± I greeted carefully. ¡°Morning,¡± she replied tly. ¡°Fried chicken! Grandma, it¡¯s my favorite!¡± Noah cheered, plopping onto the living room floor and devouring it enthusiastically. Crumbs scattered over the already-stained carpet, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to scold him. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to me anyone but myself. My mother¡¯s eyes swept across the room. She took in the sight of the dining table still cluttered with spoiled food. Tiny flies buzzed above it. tes left untouched. A sticky floor. The sour stench of rot wafted in from the kitchen. Noah¡¯s toys were scattered everywhere. He had stepped on some of them the night before while running around in boredom. My mother¡¯s expression changed-cold and sharp. I already knew what her first question would be. ¡°Where¡¯s your housekeeper?¡± she asked, setting the food bags down on the only clear corner of the table. I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, trying to soundposed even though I knew my answer would sound 11:12 AM Tue 2 Sep 35 pathetic. ¡°Someone in her family¡¯s sick. She might not be back anytime soon.¡± 50%O My mother let out a long breath, her face tight with restrained anger. ¡°And you¡¯re just going to let the house stay like this? Noah hasn¡¯t even had a bath! Liam, this is¡± ¡°I know!¡± I cut her off sharply, raising my voice. ¡°I know the house is a mess. I know Noah hasn¡¯t bathed. But I can see too, Mom. I know who was supposed to be here-who left without saying a word!¡± I didn¡¯t know why I snapped. Maybe because I was tired. Maybe because I¡¯d spent thest two days going crazy trying to contact Sienna. Or maybe¡­ because I felt abandoned-betrayed by someone who should never have left. ¡°She¡¯s unreachable, Mom. It¡¯s been two days!¡± I added, my voice hoarse. ¡°How could Sienna be so cruel, leaving the house like this? Leaving Noah like this?¡± My mother didn¡¯t answer right away. Her gaze stayed fixed on me, sharp as ever-but now softened by something else. Doubt, maybe. Or pity. ¡°Noah is my grandson, Liam. I¡¯ll always be here for him. But this isn¡¯t just about Sienna leaving,¡± she said quietly. ¡°This is about how you act when things don¡¯t go ording to n.¡± I frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± She stepped into the kitchen, cing her shopping bags gently on the counter, then turned back to me. ¡°Sienna wasn¡¯t a maid. She¡¯s a human being, Liam. She had limits. You think she left because she was bored? Because she wanted to punish you? No, my son. Maybe she was just too tired of waiting.¡± Her words hit like a p. I stepped back, my shoulders brushing against the doorway. ¡°I never asked her to wait. I didn¡¯t-¡± ¡°But you never asked her to leave either, did you?¡± she interrupted. ¡°You kept her in limbo. No status. No rity. No recognition.¡± I shook my head slightly, barely registering Noah¡¯s voice as he chatted with his stuffed toy in the living room. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to do,¡± I murmured. ¡°Sienna came when everything was already broken. Emily had just left. I wasn¡¯t healed. I wasn¡¯t ready.¡± ¡°But you let her love you,¡± my mother whispered. ¡°You just never truly loved her back.¡± 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 35 50% I lowered my head. My chest tightened. Maybe she was right. Maybe I had been too afraid to be honest, too much of a coward to choose. Sienna was there, and I tookfort in that. But I never really let her in. I left her standing on the threshold of my life, waiting for me to decide whether she coulde in¡­ or should
¡°Daddy, the chicken is so good!¡± I turned. Noah was chewing happily, his hands covered in crumbs. I managed a small smile. My mother stayed silent for a moment, eyes still on me. Then she exhaled softly. ¡°And what about Emily?¡± I sighed. Of course. Always back to Emily. ¡°She had an event. She hasn¡¯te home sincest night.¡± My mother narrowed her eyes. ¡°An event?¡± she repeated sarcastically. ¡°While your son hasn¡¯t bathed in two days and the house looks like a disaster zone?¡± I didn¡¯t respond. Because anything I said would sound like an excuse. And we both knew-my mother and I¡ª that neither Emily nor I had truly been present for Noahtely. Everything felt like scraps. Scattered moments no one bothered to gather. She sighed again. ¡°Liam, you¡¯re a father. Not a guest in this house.¡± I looked down at my clenched hands. ¡°I know¡­¡± ¡°No. You don¡¯t,¡± she snapped. ¡°If you did, you wouldn¡¯t wait until the house reeks before realizing something¡¯s wrong. Who do you think kept it all together this whole time?¡± I fell silent. The quiet hung heavy, like fog. ¡°You¡¯ve been toofortable for too long,¡± she continued. ¡°Sienna wasn¡¯t just a caretaker. She was the only one who truly cared about your son.¡± 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 36 36 50% 36 Liam¡¯s POV I lifted my head, almost ready to respond, but that sentence hit me harder than any scream ever could- because it was true. Silence hung in the air. Only the sound of Noah happily chewing his chicken filled the space, as if everything was fine. But between me and my mother, the tension thickened the room like smoke. ¡°Didn¡¯t Sienna say anything to you?¡± my mother asked quietly. I looked at her, confused. ¡°What do you mean, Mom?¡± She stepped closer. Her face didn¡¯t carry anger this time. Just¡­ sadness. Or maybe regret? ¡°Sienna¡¯s gone, Liam,¡± she said softly. ¡°She left¡­ this house. Noah. Your life.¡± My heart stopped for a few seconds. ¡°What do you mean, Mom?¡± I asked. She didn¡¯t answer right away. She stared at me with a hollow look for a moment, then took a deep breath before saying, ¡°Your marriage contract ended. Two days ago. She left¡­ right when it was over. My body went numb. The world shifted one inch out of ce. ¡°Sienna gave you full custody of Noah,¡± she continued. ¡°She left without saying goodbye¡­ because she knew you wouldn¡¯t let her go if she told you the truth.¡± My legs gave way beneath me. I stared nkly at the door to Sienna¡¯s room, tightly shut for the past two days. I¡¯d never opened it-too angry, too stubborn, too proud to admit that deep down, I was afraid¡­ afraid she wouldn¡¯te back. ¡°But¡­ why?¡± I whispered, my voice hoarse. ¡°Why would she leave like that?¡± My mother moved closer, cing her hand on my shoulder. ¡°Because her heart was already too broken, Liam. You left her in silence too many times. Ignored her too often. Even when she asked you to see her, you chose to look away.¡± I shook my head. ¡°No¡­ Sienna wouldn¡¯t just leave. She¡­ she loves Noah.¡± 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 36 50% ¡°She does,¡± my mother said quickly. ¡°And that¡¯s why she gave you custody. Because she knew Noah would still be cared for. She believed you could be a good father¡­ even if you were never a good husband.¡± I said nothing. Pain stabbed from deep inside my chest. ¡°She¡¯s noting back, Liam,¡± my mother added. ¡°Don¡¯t go looking for her. Move on¡­ with Emily. The woman you chose.¡± I wanted to shout, to yell that it wasn¡¯t true. That I never really chose Emily. But I knew¡­ this was the consequence of my own choices. Two days ago, maybe Sienna stood by that door, waiting for me to stop her. But I was too busy with Emily. With the g. With my pride and ambition. I let her walk away-without so much as trying to understand her. ¡°No way¡­¡± I muttered weakly, almost inaudibly. I looked at my mother, standing before me with a calm but wounded expression. ¡°Sienna wouldn¡¯t just leave. She¡­ she never even left when I tried to push her away.¡± My voice sounded more like a plea than a conviction. And truthfully, even I didn¡¯t fully believe my own words. But I needed something to hold on to. Something to help me deny everything I¡¯d just heard. ¡°Sienna is stubborn, Mom. She always stayed. Even when she knew I¡­ even when she knew I was with Emily.¡± Mom just looked at me in silence, as if there were no more words left that could get through my thick skull. My hands clenched at my sides. I looked down, unable to meet my mother¡¯s eyes-eyes full of disappointment. The image of Sienna shed in my mind-her once warm eyes now blurred. Her smile, which used to feel like home, now just a distant memory I couldn¡¯t touch anymore. She stayed for so long. In silence. In pain. In a role she never truly chose. My wife¡­ but never really my wife. The mother of my child¡­ but never part of my life. I put her in the wrong ce, bound her with a contract I thought would keep her by my side, when in truth, I was the one slowly eroding her reasons to stay. Only now did I realize how empty this house was without Sienna. Not just because of the dirty dishes or the sticky floors. But because there were no more footsteps in the morning. No more softughter while she fed Noah. No more silent nces she used to hide behind her calm demeanor whenever I came homete with Emily. Now, everything was still. Hollow. 1:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% 36 I turned slowly, walking toward the room at the end of the hall. The room I hadn¡¯t opened in two days. I¡¯d passed it every time, resisting the urge to turn the knob because¡­ because I was afraid. Afraid that she truly wasn¡¯t in there anymore. But this time, my fingers trembled against the handle. With ragged breath, I pressed it down gently. The door creaked open. And as I stepped inside¡­ the world seemed to copse in silence. The room was empty. Not empty as in unupied. But empty¡­ as in abandoned. The closet doors stood wide open. Only a few empty hangers swayed slowly in the breeze from the slightly open window. The vanity was bare-not a single bottle of perfume, nob, no lipstick scattered like usual. Even the bed was made. Too neatly. Not like it was when she still lived here. I stood frozen in the doorway, eyes wide as I looked around. All this time, I¡¯d never really paid attention to her room. Never cared whether she was still filling it with her presence or not. I just¡­ ignored it. And now, as I truly looked-everything of Sienna was gone. Then my eyes caught something. A piece of paper. Resting on the small desk in the corner of the room. My steps were heavy as I approached it. My fingers reached for the paper slowly, like someone opening an old wound. There was only one sentence. Written in Sienna¡¯s soft, neat handwriting. ¡°Goodbye.¡± One word. One word that pierced deeper than a thousand curses. One word that shattered the walls I¡¯d built from ego. The paper trembled in my hand. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 37 32 37 50% 37 Liam¡¯s POV I sat at the edge of the bed-cold now, unfamiliar. My breath was ragged. Something inside me was missing. Something more than just her physical presence. Something I couldn¡¯t name¡­ but it felt like a gaping hole torn wide open in my chest. It felt¡­ suffocating. As if the world had shrunk, and time hade to a halt. As if all sound had vanished-even Noah¡¯s footsteps in the living room no longer reached my ears. For the first time in my life, I truly felt alone. My hand gripped the corner of the wrinkled bedsheet, as if hoping some trace of Sienna¡¯s scent might still linger. But there was nothing. Only silence and regret. This room, which once held the fragments of our shared lives, had now be a silent witness to all the unspoken words, to wounds left unhealed for too long. I turned toward the empty side of the bed. The side where she used to lie, sometimes with her back to me in anger, other times staring in silence when we didn¡¯t know what to say. I thought time would heal everything. I thought all we needed was to endure a little longer. But I was wrong. She left¡­ and I didn¡¯t stop her. I had been too caught up in being Liam the sessful man. Liam the stoic. Liam-the man everyone could rely on¡­ everyone but the woman who lived under the same roof with me. Too blind to see how she loved me in silence. Too deaf to hear her whispered pleas. Too foolish to understand that love doesn¡¯t alwayse with words. I walked slowly to the wardrobe. Opened one of the drawers that used to be hers. Empty. Even the blue scarf she always wore when she wasn¡¯t feeling well was gone. I reached into the corner- nothing And in that instant, reality hit me hard. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 37 Sienna had truly gone. No trace. No footsteps. No hope left behind. ? 50% I bowed my head, gripping the edges of the drawer, my jaw clenched against the storm of emotions inside me. I wanted to be angry-at anyone. At Sienna, for not holding on longer. At myself, for not noticing. At fate, for giving me love when I wasn¡¯t ready to receive it. But most of all, I was angry at myself. Because deep down, I knew-she had given everything. I¡­ I had just stood there, letting her surrender. My hands rose to my face, covering my eyes as they burned. I wasn¡¯t crying. But maybe¡­ if there was ever a night in my life to admit defeat, this was it. I had lost Sienna. I didn¡¯t know if I¡¯d ever have the chance to find her again. I clutched the note tightly in my fist, as if holding it tightly enough might somehow bring her back. But I knew¡­ she was gone. There was nothing I could do to bring her home. Not even if I cried. Not even if I begged. Not even if I screamed my apology until my voice was gone. Because when a patient love finally gives up, there¡¯s nothing that can save you from the loneliness you created yourself. I had lost something. Something irreceable. But I was too foolish to see it until it was toote. My steps were heavy as I walked out of the room. My chest was tight, my head clouded like fog rolling in. The folded note was still in my hand, clenched like a charm I believed could turn back time. My mother stood in the living room, her eyes nk, fixed on the dirty floor. She hadn¡¯t said anything yet, but the look in her eyes told me-there was more. I walked toward her slowly. When I finally spoke, it came out like the whisper of a broken man. ¡°Why did that contract even exist, Mom?¡± My voice trembled, almost like a child who just learned life isn¡¯t fair. She looked at me-but stayed silent. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 37 50% ¡°Why¡­ why did you just let her leave like that?¡± I asked again, louder now. My voice rising-not at her, but at everything. I stepped closer, gripping her arm in frustration. ¡°Didn¡¯t Sienna say anything? Didn¡¯t she leave a message? Where is she now? Where is she living, Mom?!¡± No answer. Only silence, hanging heavy in the air like a cold, suffocating nket. I swung at the air beside me, a meaningless gesture-but just enough to release the storm inside. ¡°Why did she leave just like that?! She didn¡¯t fight! She didn¡¯t stay! How could a mother just abandon her child like that?! Is that what a mother does?!¡± And then, suddenly. The sound of a p cut through the room like thunder. I froze. The world stopped spinning for a heartbeat. My fists clenched-not in anger, but in shame. My mother looked at me, her eyes wet but her voice cold, echoing deep into the part of my soul I had been too proud to confront. ¡°You want to know why she left?¡± Her voice trembled, but every word hit with force. ¡°Because she stayed silent for too long. Because she held on in a house that never saw her. Because she endured pain you never even noticed you caused.¡± I wanted to protest. To defend myself. But I was speechless. ¡°Sienna left because she finally realized¡­ there was nothing left here worth saving. Not even you.¡± Before I could say another word, I heard crying from the hallway. I turned. Noah stood there-his eyes red and swollen, clutching his favorite red robot to his chest. ¡°Where¡¯s Mommy?¡± he asked softly, his voice as light as falling feathers, disappearing into the chaos. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 38 38 50% 38 Liam¡¯s POV Noah¡¯s small body trembled, tears rolling down his cheeks one by one. Suddenly, I feltpletely hollow. This pain¡­ it wasn¡¯t just about Sienna. It was about Noah too. About the wounds I had now passed down to our son¡­ because of my own blindness. My mother rushed to Noah, kneeling and pulling him into her arms, gently stroking his hair as his sobs broke through the silence. ¡°Mommy¡¯s just resting, sweetheart¡­¡± my mother whispered gently. ¡°Maybe¡­ she¡¯lle hometer.¡± Noah¡¯s sobs began to fade in her arms, though his breathing remained shaky. His small body trembled, and I could see¡ªjust by how tightly he clutched the red robot-that something was weighing on his mind. Then¡­ his fragile voice broke the silence. Thin, like a thread about to snap. ¡°Did Mommy leave because I got¡­ mad?¡± he asked haltingly, eyes downcast. I straightened, frozen as I stared at him. ¡°I told her her cooking was bad¡­ I didn¡¯t want to eat it¡­ Is Mommy mad at me?¡± The world stopped again. Every inch of my body turned to ice. My mother, who had been trying to remain calm, only pulled Noah closer. There were no words left, because we both knew-this wasn¡¯t Noah¡¯s fault. He was far too young to bear guilt this heavy. ¡°Mommy wouldn¡¯t get mad at that¡­¡± I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse. In truth, I wasn¡¯t even sure l believed my own words. Noah looked up at me with wide, ssy eyes-afraid, yet hopeful. As if silently pleading for reassurance I couldn¡¯t fully give. ¡°But¡­ I said that, and then Mommy left,¡± he whispered. His words felt like nails slowly driven into my heart. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 38 50% I shook my head slowly, fighting the storm inside me. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Noah. Mommy didn¡¯t leave because of you. Mommy loves you¡­ so much. You have to know that.¡± He nodded, but I could tell he didn¡¯t truly understand. How could a child his age grasp theplexity of adult emotions? But right now, he didn¡¯t need exnations-he needed certainty. And I was the only one who could give him that, even if I was falling apart myself. My mother gently stroked Noah¡¯s hair. ¡°You¡¯re a good boy, Noah. Mommy loves you no matter what.¡± The three of us sat in silence. It was a heavy silence, like thick fog pressing down on us. I don¡¯t know how long we stayed there, apanied only by the slow ticking of the wall clock. But something inside me shifted that night. I looked up at my mother. ¡°Mom¡­ if she¡¯s really gone¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± For the first time, I saw her eyes falter. ¡°You¡¯re alive, Liam. And as long as you¡¯re still breathing, you can make things right. Don¡¯t wait until it¡¯s toote.¡± I nodded-not because I was sure, but because I knew there was no other choice. I didn¡¯t yet know where Sienna had gone, or if I¡¯d ever find her again. But I knew one thing-I couldn¡¯t sit here and let guilt rot my life like a disease. Noah leaned his head on my shoulder. ¡°I miss Mommy¡­¡± I closed my eyes. ¡°Me too, kiddo. Me too.¡± And then¡­ The front door opened. Emily walked in with a small bag over her shoulder, her sunsses pushed up on her head. She stopped cold when she saw us in the living room. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked, lowering her sunsses. Her eyes went straight to Noah-to the object in his arms. The robot. Bright red. Emily squinted. ¡°Huh? Since when is the robot red? I bought the blue one.¡± I froze. And just like a lightning strike, realization shed through me. 11:13 AM 38 Tue 2 sep 50% ¡°Didn¡¯t¡­ Aunt Emily buy it?¡± Noah asked innocently, looking at the robot. Emily shrugged. ¡°Pretty sure it was blue. We picked it out together yesterday, remember? Why is it red?¡± I didn¡¯t answer. Because now, I knew. Sienna had bought that robot. Not Emily. That red robot-gifted by someone who was always quietly present, never counted, but always giving. Someone invisible, yet the center of everything. And suddenly, Noah began crying again. ¡°It¡¯s from Mommy, isn¡¯t it?¡± he said, voice breaking and shaking the room. ¡°It has to be from Mommy, right?¡± he cried out, clutching the robot tighter as if afraid it, too, might vanish. I couldn¡¯t bear to look at him. Something inside me shattered. Regret. Shame. Despair. I had lost her. And only now did I realize¡­ who truly mattered in this house. Emily nced at my wrinkled shirt. Her brow furrowed slightly before she asked, ¡°You¡¯re not going to the office today, Liam?¡± I didn¡¯t answer right away. My eyes remained on Noah, still curled up in Mom¡¯sp, his sobs soft but piercing. Emily let out a faint huff, then looked me up and down. ¡°Your shirt¡¯s¡­ seriously wrinkled.¡± Her gaze shifted to my mother. ¡°Morning, Mrs. Wilson,¡± she said politely, with a thin smile that felt more like formality than genuine warmth, Mom turned briefly and gave her a small nod without a word. Her attention was still on Noah. Emily walked past us without a second nce, as if nothing had happened. As if Noah¡¯s tears didn¡¯t matter. As if everything in this room was just dust she could walk through without care. She disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind her. I stood there, unmoving, listening to the quiet sobs of my son. And as Emily¡¯s door clicked shut, the house felt even more hollow. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 38 Not because there was no sound, but because there was no heart. 50 +15 B 1 GET IT N¡­ 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 30 6 50% Sincerity 39 39 Sienna¡¯s POV I woke up this morning with a wide smile on my face, whether from a good night¡¯s sleep or the sound of the waves crashing gently in the distance, I didn¡¯t know. Sunlight streamed through the thin white curtains that swayed softly in the sea breeze. Its warmth touched my skin, waking me from a long slumber free of tears or worries. This small apartment is still quiet. Still new. Still unfamiliar. But it is precisely that unfamiliarity that makes this ce feelforting. No yelling. No demands. No disappointment creeping in between forced affections. I lifted myself from the bed and sat at the edge, hugging my knees. Outside the window, the beach stretched wide, blue and peaceful. The salty wind slipped in, carrying the scent of the ocean-a scent that reminded me of both freedom and loneliness. But not the suffocating kind. More like¡­ a silence I chose. I took a deep breath, letting the morning air fill my lungs. It felt clean. Not like the breaths I used to take each morning in that other house-heavy with pressure, with expectations I could never fulfill. Here, I could breathe. Really breathe. Slowly, I stood and walked to the window, drawing the curtain fully open. The morning light greeted my face¡ª blinding, yet warm. The sea in the distance looked calm, its wavesing and going in a rhythm that almost soothed the heartbeat I¡¯d grown used to hearing race. There was no rush today. No schedule. No sudden responsibilities. No name I needed to protect, except my own. And it felt¡­ strange. But also freeing. My phone was still off, lying on the small table beside the bed. It had been three days. Three days since I left that house. Three days since I pulled my small suitcase past the gate without looking back even once. I took only a few clothes, a few memories, and a heart too heavy to carry. I walked slowly to the table, sat down, and stared at the ck screen of my phone. It felt odd-like that device held my entire old world, the one I so badly wanted to forget. But also the tiny world I loved so deeply. My eyesnded on a small photo frame next to a vase of flowers. I picked it up. Me and Noah. His smile in that photo was so wide, his round eyes sparkling, my arms wrapped tightly around him from behind. We were baking together that day. Noahughed when he saw flour all over my face. I brushed my thumb over the ss. Something stirred in my chest. A wound that hadn¡¯t healed. A longing I 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 39 50% couldn¡¯t put into words. ¡°Noah¡­¡± I whispered, barely audible. I missed him. I missed his voice calling me ¡°Mommy¡± with that bright smile. Missed the way he would curl up in myp, telling stories only he found magical. But it was a longing I couldn¡¯t follow. Because I knew if I saw him now, I wouldn¡¯t be able to walk away again. And my heart wasn¡¯t ready to return to that same hell. Not because of Noah. But because of everything else. I could only hope that, wherever he was, he was okay. That Liam, at least this time, would step up as a real father. That Noah wasn¡¯t sick. That he wasn¡¯t crying, looking for me. That even without my arms around him, he still knew I loved him. I inhaled deeply, letting the salty ocean air fill my lungs again. It felt like trying to calm a storm that never stopped roaring inside my chest. But the storm remained. Quiet, but always ready to strike. ¡°Noah¡­¡± I whispered again, my eyes now wet. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mommy can¡¯te home yet.¡± My hand reached for the small photo frame I had brought from day one. An old picture, taken on Noah¡¯s third birthday. He wasughing among balloons and chocte cake, while Liam and I stood behind him, smiling¡­ or pretending to smile. I can¡¯t tell anymore. I touched his little face with the tip of my finger. A drop of water fell onto the ss surface, but I didn¡¯t wipe it away. Let it be. Let the tears serve as a reminder-not of weakness, but of truth. I stood up, walked to the kitchen, and made myself a cup of instant coffee. No fancy aroma like at the old house. Just cheap sachet coffee-bitter, but warm. Sipping it slowly, I stepped onto the balcony again and looked out to the wide sea. The waves kepting and going, as if indifferent to the hidden pain people carry onnd. My mind drifted back to Liam. I didn¡¯t know if he was looking for me. If he understood why I left-or hated me for it. But I didn¡¯t leave out of revenge, or to hurt anyone. I left¡­ because I needed to heal. From the exhaustion. From the wounds. From the small lies that slowly killed the love I had. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Noah,¡± I whispered again, a little louder. ¡°Mommy just needs time. But I promise¡­ one day we¡¯ll meet again.¡± I don¡¯t know when. But I¡¯m keeping that promise. Like a small hope nted deep in my heart. 11:13 AM Tue 2 Sep 39 ? 50% I looked at the sea once more before heading back in, cing the empty cup on the table and sitting down on the floor, hugging my knees. There was nothing I had to do today. No one waiting. But at least, I was still breathing. Still capable of missing. Still able to hope. Myptop sat open in front of me. The white screen ring-empty, not a single word typed. It had been like that for three days. Three days since I arrived at this apartment. Three days since I left that house, that life, those wounds. And in all that time, I hadn¡¯t written a thing. My mind was frozen. My heart¡­ numb. My fingers hovered above the keyboard, suspended-caught between a past that refused to let go and a future I couldn¡¯t yet imagine. Every time I tried to type, my mind returned to the sound of the door I quietly closed that day. To the trembling steps I forced to stay steady. To the dragging of my suitcase across the tiled floor. To Noah¡¯s silence-the silence of a child I never even got to hold onest time. 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 40 6300 Sincerity 40 40 Sienna¡¯s POV They say writing is catharsis, a way to release pain through words. But how can I write when I don¡¯t even know if this pain has left me or if it¡¯s holding me tighter than ever? The deadline is just a week away. My editor must be getting restless. But I can¡¯t promise anything. I can¡¯t even manage a single sentence. No inspiration. No characters. No plot-except the turmoil inside me that refuses to settle. I closed myptop slowly. Not out of surrender, but out of exhaustion. Maybe I just needed fresh air. Something that didn¡¯t remind me of home, of that tidy but suffocating workspace, of the silent dining table, of Noah sitting still with a spoon that never touched his lips. I grabbed my bag and slipped theptop inside. I walked to the small mirror in the living room. My face still looked like Sienna¡¯s-but something was missing from my eyes. The light that once convinced me writing was my home. I don¡¯t know where it¡¯s gone. I stepped out of the apartment, letting the sea breeze kiss my skin, letting sunlight slip through the strands of my hair. Maybe¡ªjust maybe the world outside could offer me a little color. A little warmth. A little inspiration to write again¡­ and maybe to live again. My feet wandered along the shoreline, tracing the wet line of sand, letting the wavese and go over my bare feet. The sea breeze tossed my hair, salty and warm, but not strong enough to quiet the storm in my chest. I brought myptop, but I never truly intended to write. I just wanted to be still, to stare at the ocean, to let my mind go nk and my body move without a n. In the distance, I saw a small family. A father, a mother, and their son,ughing as they ran along the shore, chased by waves and embraced by warmth. The sound of theirughter was simple and clear, but it hit me harder than any crashing wave. I watched them too long, something slowly rising inside me. Jealousy. Yes. Jealousy. Not of their happiness-but because I had lost the chance to create that kind of moment with Noah. Then suddenly, the sound of crying shattered my thoughts. I froze. My breath caught. That cry¡­ so familiar. Sharp, slightly hoarse, and heartbreaking. I knew that voice. I knew it so well. 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 40 6 50% ¡°Noah?¡± I whispered, and without thinking, I ran-following the sound that pulled every instinct I had as a mother. My feet moved fast, weaving through a small crowd already looking in the same direction. There was a little boy, small and alone, sitting on the sand with his face buried in his hands. His sobs hadn¡¯t stopped. My heart exploded. My chest tightened. I reached out. ¡°Noah¡­¡± I gasped as I touched his shoulder, and slowly, the boy turned to look at me. ¡°Mommy?¡± he said, and I froze. It wasn¡¯t Noah. That face wasn¡¯t my son¡¯s. My lips trembled. My hand slowly dropped from his shoulder. The world grew quiet, even though the noise of the crowd remained. I just stood there, frozen, my body drained of strength. A woman rushed over, her face full of panic. She wrapped the child in her arms. ¡°Sweetheart, what happened?¡± Her voice was soft, protective. She lifted him, gave me one confused nce, then walked away, cradling her son close. I stayed where I was. The wind stopped. The sound of the ocean was no longer soothing. A tear slipped down my cheek. I looked down. I missed Noah. So much. So much that I was starting to see him everywhere. So much that I allowed myself to believe-just for a moment¡ªthat maybe¡­ he hade looking for me. That maybe he needed me. But it was just the illusion of a mother who had walked away from her child. I lowered my head further, wiping away tears with the back of my hand. But the more I wiped, the more they fell. My breath caught in my throat. Nothing soothed me this morning. Not even the ocean, which usually healed me, now only echoed my pain. I walked slowly to the edge of the balcony, where I could see further out to sea. The sky was turning pale, and the sound of gulls was faint. I leaned on the wooden railing, crossing my arms over my chest, trying to stop the hollowness that was spreading from my chest through my whole body. Solitude. Distance. But it turns out that distance isn¡¯t enough to heal. This pain wasn¡¯t about ces or time. It was about guilt I carried wherever I went. 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% I looked down at my palm. Once, a tiny hand had held it tightly. Now it was empty. Cold. And strangely, I had chosen this. Was I a coward? Was I wrong? Was I¡­ a bad mother? Those questions came to me every morning. I couldn¡¯t answer a single one honestly. Because I knew¡ªI did leave Noah. I knew he must be asking why. But I also knew that if I had stayed, I might¡¯ve brokenpletely. And I didn¡¯t want Noah to see his mother broken. I walked back into the apartment and gently closed the balcony door. I needed to write. Or draw. Or¡­ anything to quiet my thoughts. I pulled an old notebook from the small backpack I always carried. It was worn, full of scribbles. Some pages were poems. Others, personal confessions. And some¡­ unsent letters to Noah. I opened to a fresh page. There isn¡¯t a day that goes by without thinking of you. There isn¡¯t a single night that truly feels calm without you. But Mommy needs time. Mommy needs to learn how to be strong again, so that one day, if youe looking for me, I can say: ¡°I¡¯m ready to be the mother you deserve.¡± I closed the notebook quickly. My hands were trembling. *** I stood in front of the mirror, my hair still half-done, staring at the reflection that felt unfamiliar after a week of isting myself here. My face looked a bit pale, the dark circles under my eyes still visible, but at least today, I forced myself to look a little better. It had been a week since I moved into this small apartment near the beach. Seven days since I left what used to be my home-left Noah¡­ left everything. And today, I had to go out for something more important than just getting some air. : 3/4 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 41 41 50% 41 Sienna¡¯s POV An editor from the publishing branch I work with was meeting me in town. It wasn¡¯t an official appointment, just a kind offer from people who knew I was in the city. But I understood the real reason-they wanted to check in on my manuscript¡¯s progress. I straightened the light brown zer I¡¯d hung up the night before. It wasn¡¯t something I often wore, but I didn¡¯t want to look disheveled. I wanted to appear¡­ okay, even if it was just a mask. I twisted my hair up with a simple clip and sprayed a little perfume on my neck. When I looked back in the mirror, I took a deep breath. My chest felt heavy, as if something was weighing me down. But I had to go. A nervous feeling crept into my body. Maybe it was the fear of the questions they might ask-about the manuscript, about Noah, about this new life. I didn¡¯t know what answers I could give. I grabbed my bag and slipped theptop inside, along with a small notebook I hadn¡¯t touched since I moved. My hand paused when I saw a small photo on the table-a picture of me and Noah that I kept beside the bed. His smile in that photo was so sincere. So innocent. God, I missed him. The sudden urge to turn on my phone came rushing in. But I held back. I wasn¡¯t ready. Not yet. I didn¡¯t even know how I would cope if I heard his voice. Or worse, if there were no messages at all. My steps out of the apartment felt heavy. The morning air by the beach was soft and cool, but it wasn¡¯t enough to calm the growing anxiety inside me. I hailed a taxi and asked to be taken to the city center, to the caf¨¦ we had agreed on. Inside the car, I sat in silence, watching the streets pass by. It felt strange, seeing the world go on as usual-as if nothing had changed. But inside me, so much had fallen apart. I took another deep breath and whispered in my mind, ¡°Stay calm, Sienna. You¡¯re just going to talk about your writing. You¡¯re just going to sit there and pretend to be a strong woman. Just for today.¡± But somehow, those words didn¡¯t make me feel any calmer. 444 I exhaled slowly as I opened the door to the caf¨¦. My steps hesitated; my heartbeat was slightly faster than 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 41 ¨C 50% usual. The clinking of spoons and quietughter from other guests felt overwhelmingly loud in my ears. In a corner near the window, I saw a woman sitting neatly with a tablet and organized files in front of her. Her appearance spoke of professionalism, calm, and experience. Sarah-the editor from the head office, now working in this city branch. I approached her with a polite smile, shaking her hand while trying my best to hide the trembling. ¡°Thank you for making time, Sarah,¡± I said softly. She weed me warmly. No small talk. Once we sat down, I handed her the manuscript I had only just finishedst night-the first chapter of the project I was supposed to finish for apetition within the next week. I watched Sarah as she read. Her eyes moved quickly, focused, and sharp. There was something about the way she read that made me feel exposed. Not just my writing, but all the feelings I¡¯d been trying to keep neatly hidden-like she was peeling them backyer byyer. After a few minutes, she ced the manuscript down gently. Then she looked at me with eyes so honest, I knew I couldn¡¯t hide anything from her. ¡°Sienna,¡± she began softly. ¡°Your writing is good. Technically, there¡¯s nothing wrong. You still have structure, strong narrative. I can see why the main office chose you as one of the top five.¡± I stayed silent. But my heart was bracing itself. I knew what she would say next. ¡°But this manuscript feels¡­ empty.¡± That word echoed in my head like a lingering hum. Empty. I nodded slowly. I knew. I felt it too. Sarah continued, gently. ¡°It¡¯s not that you can¡¯t write, Sienna. But there¡¯s something missing inside you, and it shows here. The writing feels breathless. Like someone writing because they have to, not because they want to.¡± I looked down. My hands clutched the fabric of my pants. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± my voice barely audible. ¡°I¡­ I know that. But I don¡¯t know how to write anymore. It feels like¡­ I¡¯ve lost myself.¡± Sarah was quiet for a moment. She didn¡¯t rush to respond. Her gaze stayed soft, not pressing-just waiting. ¡°I left my home,¡± I said atst, almost a whisper. ¡°My husband. My child. Everything. I left because I couldn¡¯t 11:14 AM 41 Tue 2 Sep 50% take it anymore. But ever since, everything has felt hollow. Even writing.¡± The words just flowed. One by one. Forming a truth I hadn¡¯t admitted to anyone-not even to myself. Sarah nodded slowly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be healed to write,¡± she said softly. ¡°But you have to be honest with your feelings. Whatever you¡¯re going through, all of it can be fuel for your writing. But only if you dare to write from that ce. From that wound.¡± I looked at her. There was something in that sentence that stirred something within me. Whether it was courage, or simply the realization that I could no longer hide my heart behind beautiful, lifeless sentences. ¡°Sienna, you don¡¯t have to write like anyone else,¡± Sarah continued. ¡°But you also can¡¯t write like the Sienna of yesterday if you¡¯re no longer her. Write like the Sienna of today. Even if it means writing with your wounds.¡± A long silence followed. But I knew that silence wasn¡¯t an ending. It was the beginning of a new understanding. I looked at my manuscript, feeling estranged from the words I had once thought were good enough. I wanted to write again. Not because of deadlines. Not because of apetition. But because there was something inside me that needed to be said-without masks, without fear, without pretending. Sarah touched my arm before we parted. ¡°You have time. And you have a voice. Don¡¯t let loss silence you. Use it. Write with honesty.¡± I could only nod. But this time, the nod wasn¡¯t to please anyone. It was a promise. To myself. That I would try. That I would write again-with my wounds, with my longing, with every feeling I had suppressed for so long. Because maybe¡­ that¡¯s the only way home. 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 42 42 42 Sienna¡¯s POV 3 50% I held the half-finishedtte cup in my hands. The steam had faded, no longer warm, its aroma blending faintly with the scent of cinnamon from the wooden table and the sweet bread on disy. Across from me, Sarah sat with a gaze far softer than when we first met. She seemed calmer now-perhaps because she¡¯d said all she needed to, or maybe because she could see I was finally beginning to open up. me, those pauses felt We didn¡¯t speak much after that. Just light conversation to fill the pauses. But for me, necessary. As if they gave my soul space to catch its breath. After sipping thest drop of her coffee, Sarah ced her cup down gently. ¡°I hope you find what you¡¯re looking for, Sienna. In life¡­ and in your writing.¡± Her voice was soft, but steady. I could only nod. Not because I knew what I was looking for-because, truthfully, I didn¡¯t¡ªbut because now, at least, I knew I had to start looking. That I couldn¡¯t keep hiding behind the small seaside room and the tears I swallowed each night. We parted with a warm handshake. Sarah returned to her world of manuscripts and deadlines, and I returned to¡­ I don¡¯t know. Even as I stepped out of the caf¨¦, I had no idea where I was going. My steps felt lighter, though my heart still carried a weight I couldn¡¯t name. The sea breeze brushed against my face, carrying with it the lingering scent of coffee from my hair. This part of the city wasn¡¯t as busy as downtown, but just lively enough to make me feel small amidst the stream of people, each with their own direction. I stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. I didn¡¯t want to go back to the apartment just yet. It was too quiet. Too silent for a heart that had just cracked open again. Suddenly, I thought of Liliana. She was the only person who knew I was in this city-only because I¡¯d mentioned her name when filling out my temporary housing form. But I hadn¡¯t really tried to reach her. I slipped my hand into my bag, searching for my phone, which had remained off since this morning. Since I¡¯d left that house¡­ I hadn¡¯t turned it on once. A strange feeling stirred in me as my finger pressed the power button. The screen lit up slowly, the brand logo appearing first, then a flood of notifications. I held my breath as the home screen came into view, hoping¨Cjust a little-that there¡¯d be a message from the name that had haunted my thoughts every night. 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 42 But there was nothing. 50% Only missed calls. Twenty of them. All from the first two days after I left. Day three, four, and now¡­ nothing. Liam had stopped calling. Stopped texting. As if¡­ he¡¯d stopped looking for me. My chest tightened. I wanted to lie to myself, to say maybe he was busy. Maybe he was angry. But I knew better. If someone truly wanted to find you, they wouldn¡¯t stop on day two. I lowered my head and closed my eyes, trying to swallow the sharp ache rising from somewhere deep inside me. But before I could fall too far, my phone vibrated. Iing call. Liliana. I inhaled, steadied myself, and answered. ¡°Sienna?¡± Her voice hit my ear loud and clear-panic, anger, and worry all tangled together. ¡°Are you out of your mind?! Disappearing for days like that! Did you think I wouldn¡¯t be worried?!¡± I closed my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Liliana. I just¡­ needed time.¡± ¡°Time?¡± she scoffed. ¡°If you needed time, just say so! Don¡¯t vanish off the face of the earth. I almost came looking for you, God knows where.¡± A small smile tugged at my lips. She sounded harsh, but I knew it was because she cared. ¡°I missed you,¡± I said finally. ¡°Want to grab dinner? At our usual spot?¡± There was a brief silence on the other end. Then her sigh softened. ¡°You¡¯re paying.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be there in thirty.¡± The call ended. I stared at the screen for a few seconds before slipping the phone back into my bag. There were still no messages from Liam. But right now, I didn¡¯t feel like waiting anymore. My heart was too tired to keep hoping for something that never came. I started walking down the sidewalk, leaving the caf¨¦ behind. My steps felt a little lighter-though not entirely free from pain. But maybe, just maybe, my conversation with Sarah earlier¡­ and now with Liliana¡­ was the beginning of something new. 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 42 50% Steps that no longer depended on a single name, a single man, or a past I¡¯d clutched too tightly for too long. The evening breeze brushed my cheek, carrying the scent of dried flowers from a small street stall nearby. The city never truly sleeps, but between the hum of traffic and people¡¯s hurried footsteps, I found a kind of silence I¡¯d once feared-now, I began to understand it as space. Space to see myself clearly, without anyone¡¯s shadow. I caught my reflection in the ss window of a clothing store. My hair was a little messy, my eyes still swollen, and my smile faint. But it was me. Not the version of Sienna Liam once knew. Not the version who always tried to please everyone. Just me-a woman who was hurting, but still choosing to walk forward. GET IT N¡­ 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 43 43 50% 43 Sienna¡¯s POV I thought again of Sarah¡¯s words¡ªthat I had to find what I was looking for. At first, I¡¯dughed at the idea. I didn¡¯t think I was searching for anything. But now I realized-maybe I was searching for a home. Not a building, but a ce where I felt enough, where I felt epted. Even if that ce was within myself. My feet brought me to a small park, not far from my rented apartment. I sat on a wooden bench under a mboyant tree. Its leaves drifted down softly, like time falling one piece at a time. Children ran nearby, their I looked up at the sky. The color had started to change. Dusk crept in slowly, like a promise that never failed to them away all at once. I didn¡¯t have to heal today either. A small smile tugged at my lips. Maybe, I¡¯ll start writing again. Not to escape the pain, but to embrace it. Maybe I don¡¯t need to find the answer right away. What matters is that I¡¯ve started to look. Not in a rush, but with honesty-even if that honesty is still filled with doubt. Even if Liam no longer searches for me, I still have myself. And for today, that¡¯s enough. Above me, the sky gradually shifted from soft blue to golden orange. The evening light spilled across the surface of the smallke in front of me, casting reflections that moved gently like a held breath. Thete-day breeze swept through my hair, carrying the damp scent of sun-warmed grass. I sat still, letting time without guilt. pass The sounds of life in the distance-cars passing, childrenughing in the park across the street, birds returning to their nests-were all present, yet none of them truly disturbed my quiet. Not today. Today, I chose to be still. And just being still already felt exhausting. There was still an ache in my chest, like a shadow refusing to leave. But it wasn¡¯t as sharp as this morning. Not as loud asst night. The wound remained, but it no longer demanded my attention. Perhaps because I had stopped resisting it. Stopped denying that I was hurt. That I was disappointed. That I felt abandoned. I shifted my seat, folding my legs onto the park bench. Now and then, people passed by, but no one stared too long. No one asked why I was alone. It was as if the world was giving me space to breathe, and for that, I was 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 43 grateful. 50% In my small bag was an empty notebook I hadn¡¯t touched in ages. But somehow, my hands itched to open it again. Not to write stories about perfect love or dramatic heartbreaks. Just the story of a woman learning to ept reality, one day at a time. I don¡¯t know what tomorrow will look like-whether I¡¯ll cry again orugh over something small. But for today, I know I¡¯m okay. Not perfect. Just enough. *** The restaurant hadn¡¯t changed much. The familiar scent of chicken soup and toasted bread still lingered, just like thest time I came here with Liliana months ago. Its warm atmosphere wrapped around me like a long- awaited hug. But the mostforting thing of all was seeing Liliana rise from her seat and rush toward me. Without saying a word, she pulled me into a tight hug. It was warm, filled with worry, andced with the kind of anger that had long since softened into longing. I hugged her back, holding my breath so I wouldn¡¯t fall apart in her arms. ¡°Sienna¡­¡± she whispered. She pulled back slightly to look at me, her eyes scanning my face. ¡°Oh my God, where have you been? You¡¯ve lost weight! Are you sick?¡± I exhaled quietly, feeling a little awkward as I noticed a few curious nces from other diners. ¡°Liliana, one question at a time, please. Can we sit first?¡± I replied with a faint smile. We walked to a table by the window. Liliana kept ncing at me, still in disbelief that I was finally here. When the waiter came, I immediately ordered our favorite dishes. Once he left, she looked at me again, a little calmer now, though her eyes were still full of questions. ¡°So¡­ where have you been all this time, Sienna? Why did you disappear like that?¡± I took a deep breath before answering softly, ¡°I¡¯ve been staying on the edge of the city, near the coast. In a small ce. I needed space to breathe. I needed distance from everything.¡± Liliana closed her eyes for a second, then exhaled in relief. ¡°At least you¡¯re okay. I thought you went abroad or something. Sienna, you have no idea how stressed I was trying to figure out what happened to you.¡± I gave her a weak smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I know I made you worry.¡± She shook her head, then took my cold hand in hers. ¡°What matters is¨Cyou¡¯re here now.¡± 11:14 AM Tue 2 Sep 43 50% I lowered my gaze, letting the warmth of her touch melt a bit of the guilt I carried. Then I looked up at her gently. ¡°And you? How have you been?¡± I asked. She smiled-and finally, the familiar sparkle of Liliana returned. ¡°Busy. But still sane, thankfully. Work¡¯s been hell this month, but I¡¯m managing. Honestly, without the drama from your love life, my world¡¯s been a little more peaceful.¡± I let out a smallugh, realizing just how much of a storm I¡¯d brought into the lives of those close to me. But Liliana had never truly left. She remained, like a small anchor that kept me from drifting too far. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 44 44 50% 44 Liam¡¯s POV It¡¯s been a week since Sienna left, but to me, time hasn¡¯t moved. The days feel empty. The house remains the same, yet hollow. Too quiet. Too still. I haven¡¯t touched the coffee sitting on the table since this morning. It¡¯s grown cold. I sit in the living room without turning on the lights, even though the sky outside has been overcast since noon. Sienna always turned the lights on first. Even when it wasn¡¯tpletely dark yet, she used to say the house needed light so it wouldn¡¯t feel lonely. I used tough at that. Now I understand what she meant. I rubbed my face. I was a fool-always postponing, always hoping she would understand without having to be told. But now I realize, some things can¡¯t survive on silent love alone. Some wounds can¡¯t heal if you keep pretending they¡¯re not there. I sat on the bed, staring at the phone screen disying one name: Sienna. Her number is still saved, clearly visible. Just one tap to call. One swipe of a thumb to send a message. But my fingers feel powerless. Every time I¡¯m about to hit the green button, a voice in my head stops me. She doesn¡¯t want to be disturbed anymore, Liam. She¡¯s the one who left. She needs space¡­ not you. I gripped the phone tightly, as if I could pour all the unsaid feelings into that lifeless object. My mind drifted back to thatst night before she left-the night she stood at the bedroom door with a small suitcase, her eyes wet but her face firm. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving because I don¡¯t love you,¡± she had whispered. I just looked at her. I didn¡¯t say anything. Not because I didn¡¯t want to stop her, but because I was too sure she woulde back. That she just needed a little time to cool off. But she didn¡¯t. The phone screen was still lit, her name glowing softly. I could call her now. I could say I miss her. That I was wrong. That this house doesn¡¯t feel the same without the sound of her footsteps in the morning, without the scent of her perfume lingering on the pillows. But then what? Would it bring her back? Or would it only push her further away? I ced the phone down beside me and ran both hands over my face. The night was too quiet. So much space 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 44 ? 50% now filled only by echoes of herughter, her endless chatter about books, story ideas, or the little things that made our days feel whole. I got up slowly and opened the closet, pulling out the gray sweater she had left behind. Her scent had almost faded, but I could still imagine the way she would hug me from behind, pressing her face into my back. ¡°Sometimes you drive me crazy, Liam. But I still fall in love with you.¡± Her voice echoed in my mind-clear, real, painful. I hugged the sweater to my chest, clinging to the warmth of memories. I knew she needed time. I knew I couldn¡¯t force her. But I also knew¡­ I was lost without her. I let out a heavy sigh and set the phone on the table. Stared up at the ceiling, as if it might offer answers. Just like I¡¯ve done every night since she left. Then suddenly, the sound of crying came from outside the room. Not just any cry-I recognized it instantly. Noah. I got up and opened the door quickly. The cries wereing from the living room. ¡°Noah?¡± I called out, voice tight with worry. There I saw Emily standing stiffly, trying tofort Noah, who sat on the floor clutching a red robot toy in his ¡°Noah, listen¡­ Auntie Emily didn¡¯t mean to, sweetheart,¡± Emily said gently, her voice a little frantic. ¡°I already said sorry, okay? Besides, the blue robot I gave you is still fine, right? They¡¯re the same.¡± ¡°No!¡± Noah shouted, tears pouring down his cheeks. ¡°I don¡¯t want the robot from Auntie Emily! I want the red one! That¡¯s from Mommy!¡± I rushed over and lifted Noah into my arms, holding him tightly. ¡°Noah, hey, hey-Daddy¡¯s here, okay? Tell me what happened.¡± Noah clung to me, his little body trembling in my embrace. ¡°Auntie Emily broke my robot¡­ the one Mommy gave me. Why did it break, Daddy? Mommy will be mad if she finds out.¡± Emily stepped forward, trying to exin. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to, Liam. It fell off the table when I was cleaning-¡® I raised a hand, asking her to give us a moment. Then I carried Noah to the couch and sat down with him, trying to calm him. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 44 3 50% ¡°Daddy can fix the robot, okay?¡± I whispered, gently stroking his sweat-damp hair. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll try tonight, alright?¡± But Noah just shook his head weakly. ¡°It can¡¯t. It¡¯s broken. Mommy will be sad¡­ and now it¡¯s ruined.¡± And there it was again¡ªthat ache. He¡¯s been saying her name more oftentely. He looks for her. He misses her. Just like I do. I held him tighter, trying to lend him a strength I wasn¡¯t sure I had left. His small body trembled against mine, and though his sobs slowly faded, they left a mark on both of us that would take far longer to disappear. Since Sienna left, it¡¯s like a light went out in Noah¡¯s world. He¡¯s quieter, lost in thought while ying, waking up in the middle of the night. Every corner of this house holds a piece of her-from the way sheughed while cooking with Noah in the kitchen, to the softness in her voice reading bedtime stories. Now, all of it is nothing more than shadows I can¡¯t seem to hold on to. GET IT N¡­ 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 45 45 45 Liam¡¯s POV 50% I tried to keep going, to stick to my routines as if nothing had changed. But the truth was, every morning when I woke up, I had to force myself out of bed. Every night, the silence in this room quietly judged me. No more light footsteps from Sienna. No more aroma of her favorite tea weing me home from work. What remained was an empty space, and a regret that refused to leave. Noah still often asked when Mommy wasing home. Sometimes he just mumbled to himself, sometimes he looked at me with eyes full of hope. And every time it happened, I had to steel myself not to fall apart in front of him. Because I was all he had now. I was his father. I had to be his home, even when I feltpletely lost myself. Sienna never really left my mind. Her name echoed in silence, in the random songs that yed on the radio, or in the clothes still neatly hanging in the closet. I didn¡¯t know if she woulde back-or if I¡¯d even get the chance to make things right. But one thing was certain: I missed her more with each passing day. I gently rubbed Noah¡¯s back. ¡°Mommy loves you, Noah. If she were here, she¡¯d tell you this robot can still be fixed. She wouldn¡¯t be mad.¡± But Noah stayed quiet, hugging me tighter. Emily stood a little distance away, her eyes filled with concern. She tried stepping closer, holding out the blue robot. ¡°Noah, your blue robot is still fine. Why don¡¯t you y with this one for now? I promise, if the red one can¡¯t be fixed, I¡¯ll get you a new one.¡± ¡°No!¡± Noah cried again, this time kicking toward the blue robot. ¡°I don¡¯t want it! I only want the one from Mommy!¡± ¡°Emily, please,¡± I said more firmly. ¡°Let me talk to him.¡± Emily backed off toward the kitchen, visibly upset but keeping it in. I knew she was trying. But she wasn¡¯t Sienna, And Noah knew that. I focused on my son again, rocking him gently. His sobs started to quiet down, though he still sniffled now and then. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 45 50% ¡°Noah¡­¡± I whispered, meeting his swollen eyes. ¡°Mommy left because she had something she needed to take care of. But Daddy¡¯s sure she misses you very much. We¡¯ll see Mommy again, okay? But for now¡­ can Daddy hold on to the robot? So I can try to fix it tonight?¡± He hesitated, then gave a small nod. ¡°But don¡¯t throw it away, Daddy.¡± ¡°No, sweetheart. I promise I won¡¯t. I¡¯ll keep it safe.¡± Once he¡¯d calmed down, I carried him to his room,id him down, and turned on the small star-shaped nightlight. I sat by his side until he drifted off, his tiny hand still gripping my finger. When I returned to the living room, Emily was on the couch, looking worn out. ¡°Liam¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to-¡± ¡°I know,¡± I cut her off quickly. ¡°But to Noah, that robot isn¡¯t just a toy.¡± She looked at me, puzzled. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it meant that much to him.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about the robot,¡± I murmured, picking up the broken arm from the floor and staring at it. ¡°It¡¯s about who gave it to him. It¡¯s the only thing connecting him to Sienna right now.¡¯ Emily fell silent. There was nothing more to say. I thought the night would finally be quiet after Noah fell asleep. But not even fifteen minutes had passed when I heard soft footsteps from the hallway. I turned to see Noah standing at the living room doorway, sleepy-eyed and his hair tousled. ¡°Daddy¡­¡± he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± I stood and walked over to him, lifting his small body into my arms. His face was still puffy from crying, but his eyes looked at me clearly, as if waiting for an answer. ¡°You weren¡¯t hungry at dinner?¡± I asked softly, brushing his hair aside. He shook his head. ¡°I wasn¡¯t hungry then. But now my tummy¡¯s making noise.¡± I sighed, ncing toward the kitchen where the light was still on. ¡°He¡¯s hungry?¡± Emily asked, managing a weak smile. I nodded. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 45 ? 50% ¡°What if¡­ we go out to eat?¡± she suggested quickly, her voice attempting cheerfulness. ¡°Get some fresh air too.¡± I looked at the clock. It was nearly ten p.m. ¡°Are there even ces still open thiste?¡± I asked, doubtful. ¡°There¡¯s a 24-hour family diner downtown,¡± she said confidently. ¡°It¡¯s quiet and the food¡¯s good. I used to go there a lot.¡± I looked down at Noah, still resting his head on my shoulder. Maybe it wasn¡¯t a bad idea. A change of scenery might help calm him. Besides, I hadn¡¯t eaten a proper dinner either. ¡°Alright,¡± I finally said. ¡°But only if Noah wants to go.¡¯ He lifted his head and looked at me. ¡°Do they have chicken soup?¡± ¡°They definitely do,¡± Emily chimed in, trying to sound enthusiastic. ¡°And maybe your favorite chocte milkshake too.¡± A faint smile appeared on Noah¡¯s face. That was all the answer we needed. I nodded. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s get dressed first, yeah?¡± Emily headed to her room, while I brought Noah back to his to help him into a jacket and long pants. When we returned to the living room, Emily was ready with a small bag in hand and a more rxed expression. The three of us stepped out into the night. The streets were quiet, the air cool against our skin, but Noah¡¯s steps were lighter than they had been hours before. Even though there was still so much unresolved between us, that night-at the very least-we were walking forward together. Trying to rebuild what had cracked. Or at least¡­ to fill the space Sienna had left behind. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 46 46 46 Sienna¡¯s POV 6 50% My stomach felt warm and full, the lingering aroma of seafood fried rice still rising from the te in front of me as I leaned back into the plush seat of the family-style restaurant. The cool air from the AC brushed gently against my face-a wee contrast after a long, emotionally draining day. I looked around. The restaurant wasn¡¯t fancy, but it feltforting. The d¨¦cor was simple: warm, dim lighting, dark brown leather-covered wooden chairs, and walls painted in earthy tones. A few families sat at nearby tables, childrenughing, couples speaking in soft tones with shared smiles. There was life here¡ªa kind of calm, unrushed life that seemed more certain than mine. Sienna, you¡¯re okay here, I whispered to myself. At least for tonight. I leaned back, letting my body rx. The exhaustion wasn¡¯t just physical-it lived in my thoughts, in the constant reel of memories ying behind my eyes. Noah¡¯s face, hisugh when I¡¯d chase him through the park, the way his innocent questions always melted me. But with those memories came images of Liam too-his distant stare, the quiet that had grown between us, the way he had started to feel unreachable. I stared at the table. Between the scattered cutlery and half-empty tes, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. My hair was a little messy, my face looked tired. But in my eyes-those same eyes now mirrored in the spoon- there was something new: courage. Leaving doesn¡¯t always mean giving up. Sometimes, it¡¯s the only way to survive. I couldn¡¯t keep being the one waiting-waiting to be seen, to be heard, to be loved the way I deserved. I thought of Sarah, Liliana, and even the strangers who¡¯d brushed past my life in the past week. Each of them had touched something tender in me, whether through honesty, advice, or just their quiet presence. Through them, I¡¯d begun to understand something: I didn¡¯t have to do this alone. But I also couldn¡¯t keep hinging my healing on just one name. Liliana sat across from me, sipping thest of her drink, absently stirring her spoon in the nearly empty te. We hadn¡¯t said much since dinner ended-maybe because I looked so worn, or maybe she was giving me space. Either way, her presence alone had steadied me. ¡°I should go,¡± I said atst, my voice soft but firm. Liliana looked up quickly, her expression shifting like a child asked to stop ying too soon. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 46 ¡°I¡¯ming with you,¡± she said immediately. I shook my head with a smile. ¡°No, Liliana. I need to write tonight. My deadline¡¯s in a few days.¡± ? 50% She pouted the way she always did when she didn¡¯t agree but knew she couldn¡¯t argue. ¡°I¡¯m still worried, Sienna. You¡¯re not fully back yet. You never go off the grid like that without a word.¡± I sighed quietly. The guilt pressed against my chest. She was right. I had disappeared without a single exnation¡ªnot even a reply to her messages. But I needed space, and stubborn as she was, Liliana was one of the few people who understood that without demanding too much. ¡°I know,¡± I said gently. ¡°But I¡¯m okay now. I just¡­ need to be alone tonight. To write. Really.¡± She studied me for a moment, then finally exhaled and slumped back in her seat. ¡°Okay,¡± she said softly, though the worry still lingered in her face. ¡°But promise me we¡¯ll meet again tomorrow. And you¡¯ll look brighter. Promise.¡± I nodded with a smallugh. ¡°Promise.¡± Liliana suddenly stood and grabbed her bag. ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom. Be right back.¡± As she walked away, the silence at the table returned. I stared at my half-finished orange juice, watching tiny bubbles gather on the surface as I tried to quiet the ache in my chest. The gentle clinking of utensils from nearby tables,ughter from a family in the corner, and the soft hum of acoustic music ying overhead felt distant-like the rest of the world was moving on, while I was stuck. I slouched a little deeper into my seat. In the glow of the warm lights, Liam¡¯s image floated back into my mind -his deep gaze, the way he used to smile, the tenderness in the way he held Noah. The memories came uninvited. I hated how easily I remembered him. But more than that, I hated how much I still missed him. I thought leaving would make things easier. That time and distance would clear my mind and help me find the pieces of myself I¡¯d lost. But the nights were still long. And the mornings still came with the same emptiness. No matter how hard I tried to focus on writing, my thoughts always drifted back to the small house I left behind. To one name I could never erase from my heart: Noah. I wrapped my hands around my wrist atop the table, trying to steady my heartbeat. How is he now? I wondered. Has he stopped crying for me? Or worse¡­ has he started to forget me? The thought sliced deep. I nced at the restaurant window, my reflection faint in the ss-pale, tired, but still standing. I looked outside. The streemps glowed a muted yellow. A few cars passed slowly. The world felt like it was 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 46 moving slower tonight, and oddly, I didn¡¯t feel as lonely as before. Maybe it was Liliana. 50% Or maybe, just maybe¡­ I was starting to make peace with the loneliness. I wasn¡¯t healed yet. I hadn¡¯t found the missing spark in my writing. But tonight¡­ I was enough. I inhaled slowly, steadying my nerves. Liliana still hadn¡¯t returned from the restroom, and I considered going up to pay the bill. Maybe it was time to head back to the quiet space I now called safety. But just as I began to rise, the ss door of the restaurant swung open. In the next second, my heart felt like it dropped. They walked in together. Liam was in front, gently guiding Noah, who looked half-asleep and half-cranky. Behind them, Emily stepped lightly, her smile calm-too calm. Toofortable. I quickly lowered my head, my hand reaching reflexively for the menu on the table to cover my face. My breath caught in my throat. Was this real? I blinked, hoping maybe it was just my imagination. But no. Noah¡¯s voice¡ª so familiar¡ªrang out clearly. Hisughter. The way he tugged on Liam¡¯s hand and pointed at something on the restaurant wall. It was all too real. I froze in my seat. I couldn¡¯t keep looking at them, but I couldn¡¯t tear my gaze awaypletely either. Slowly, I lifted my head just enough to see. And there they were. Laughing together. Like aplete family that had lost nothing. GET IT N¡­ 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 47 47 50% 47 Sienna¡¯s POV Liam leaned down, nodding as Noah spoke to him animatedly. Emily stood on the other side of Noah, gently ruffling his hair with a soft smile-as if she had always been there. As if¡­ I had never existed. The pain came like a wave, crashing from a direction I didn¡¯t expect. I knew I was the one who left. I knew I was the one who chose silence. But seeing them like that, as though I had never been a part of their lives at all, made it hard to breathe. I had to leave. Right now. I was just about to stand when the sound of small footsteps approached from the side. ¡°Sienna?¡± I turned in panic. Liliana stood there, eyebrows raised. ¡°Why are you hiding like that? Are you trying to run away from me?¡± I motioned frantically with my finger to hush her. ¡°Sshh¡­ please, Liliana. Don¡¯t be loud.¡± She frowned. ¡°Why? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go. Now,¡± I whispered urgently, grabbing my bag. ¡°Please, Liliana. Now.¡± Liliana looked confused, but before she could ask more, a small voice sliced through the chaos in my chest. ¡°Mommy!¡± I froze. That voice¡­ Noah. My body turned slowly, and there he was-standing in the middle of the room, frozen in ce. His wide eyes filled with tears. And then, in seconds, he ran. ¡°Mommyyyy!¡± he cried as his tiny feet hurried toward me. I opened my arms instinctively, and he flung himself into my embrace, clutching me tightly, like he was afraid I¡¯d disappear again. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe home? I waited for you, Mommy¡­ You¡¯re mean,¡± he sobbed against my chest. 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 47 ? 50% My heart shattered. I stroked his back with trembling hands, fighting the tears pushing to the surface. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby. I¡¯m so, so sorry¡­ Heavy footsteps approached, and I didn¡¯t need to look to know who stood behind us. ¡°Sienna?¡± I looked up. Liam was just a few steps away, eyes wide in disbelief, as if he couldn¡¯t believe I was really standing there. And me¡­ I couldn¡¯t speak. I didn¡¯t know what to say. Emily stood a few paces behind him, watching us with an unreadable expression. I looked back down at Noah, still holding on to me like I might vanish again at any moment. His hug was so tight I could hardly breathe. But that wasn¡¯t what hurt the most. What hurt was the truth: I shouldn¡¯t be here. Not like this. Not meeting them again under these sudden, gut-wrenching circumstances. I wanted to close my eyes and hope this was all a dream. But the warmth of Noah¡¯s body, the strength of his little arms, and the sharp, questioning gaze of Emily made it clear-this was real. Too real. And I wasn¡¯t ready for it. way My world felt like it was crumbling slowly, piece by piece, as I realized nothing really goes back to the it was. Time moves forward, but it doesn¡¯t heal everything. The wounds still remain. And the guilt still follows every step I take. Noah was still holding on to me. His tiny frame trembled-maybe from crying too long, or from the fear that I might disappear again. I held him tighter-as tightly as I could, as if I could somehow erase all the pain I had caused in the past week. I wanted to speak. I wanted to exin. I wanted to say I was sorry for leaving without a word. But the words caught in my throat. My tongue was numb. All I could do was let the tears slip silently onto Noah¡¯s hair. From the corner of my eye, I saw Emily step closer. Her posture was straight, her face unreadable, but I could sense the storm beneath her calm exterior. Emily wasn¡¯t one to explode, but she couldn¡¯t fully hide her disappointment either. Liam stood nearby. His face was full of questions, but he remained quiet. And for that, I was thankful. Because if he started speaking now, I wasn¡¯t sure I could hold myself together. Time seemed to freeze in that moment. Only the sound of the afternoon wind rustling through the trees outside 11:15 AM Tue 2 Sep 47 and Noah¡¯s soft, fading sobs filled the silence. 50% I knew I had to exin. But how? Where would I even begin? How do you exin that you love your child so deeply, it terrifies you? That you left not because you didn¡¯t care, but because you cared too much¡ªso much that you felt unworthy of standing beside him? My legs felt weak. I wanted to sit, but Noah wouldn¡¯t let go. So I stayed standing, my body trembling, barely holding itself upright. Emily finally stopped just a few steps away from me. Our eyes met. No words were spoken-just a long gaze that held a thousand unspoken conversations. That look seemed to say: Why are you back now? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? Do you think everything can just go back to normal just because you showed up again? I had no answer. Gently, I began to loosen my arms from the hug. Noah¡¯s small hands tried to hold on, but I still turned away, intending to walk off without looking back. But I froze mid-step. A firm hand grabbed my wrist. I quickly turned around and met Liam¡¯s gaze. His face, vivid in my mind, was a storm of surprise, confusion, anger¡­ and heartbreak. ¡°Where are you going?¡± His voice was low, barely above a whisper, but it cut through me like a de. I lowered my eyes, unable to answer. Liam¡¯s hand still gripped mine tightly, as if afraid I would disappear again. But before I could say anything, a small hand reached up and held my other hand. ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t go again,¡± Noah said in a raspy voice still soaked in tears. ¡°Please¡­ I don¡¯t want you to leave.¡± My heart dropped. I felt like the cruelest person alive. All I wanted was to escape-to protect myself¡­ but they kept holding on. 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 48 48 48 Sienna¡¯s POV 50% I never imagined I would be sitting at the same table with them. Not in a situation like this. Not in a 24-hour family diner with soft yellow lights and the faint sound of fryinging from the kitchen. But here I am now, sitting next to Noah, nked by Liliana, while Liam and Emily sit directly across from me. No one speaks. Only the sound of Noah¡¯s spoon stirring his half-melted vani ice cream and the gentle hum of the AC breaking the silence. My eyes briefly met Liam¡¯s-just for a moment-before we both looked away. Emily kept her head down, hugging her ss of milk, who knows what she was thinking. Liliana beside me only held my hand tightly under the table, as if she knew I needed an anchor so I wouldn¡¯t get swept away by my own emotions. ¡°Mommy likes vani ice cream, right?¡± Noah¡¯s small voice finally rang out, innocent and honest as always. He offered me a spoonful of his ice cream. I smiled, though my heart trembled. ¡°I do, sweetheart. But tonight, you eat it, okay?¡± He nodded, then continued eating. It¡¯s that simple for a child-love, longing, eptance. But for adults, everything is so much moreplicated. Too many wounds, too many unspoken words. ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t expect you¡¯de here with them,¡± Liam said softly, almost like a murmur, but clearly meant for
I slowly lifted my head and looked at him. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to run into you all tonight either.¡± Liam nodded once, like he was holding back something he wanted to say but didn¡¯t. Emily beside him remained silent. Her face was calm but tense, like someone preparing for a storm that coulde at any moment. ¡°Auntie Liliana asked Mommy toe eat,¡± Noah chimed in, exining the situation as if he wanted everyone to stop acting weird. ¡°Then we met Daddy and Auntie Emily, Then¡­ we sat together!¡± We all nodded as if that were the most normal thing in the world. But for us adults, this was no ordinary gathering. This was a dinner table full of history, full of unanswered questions, and emotions that couldn¡¯t be simplified with a single spoonful of vani ice cream. Yet somehow¡­ I was grateful this night happened. Because in the midst of all the pain andplexity, I could 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 48 still see one real thing: Noah¡¯s smile. ~ 50% Noah ate eagerly, as if the world revolved around him and the food before him. His small hands pointed excitedly at his favorite foods, his mouth didn¡¯t stop talking about things I couldn¡¯t quite understand because he spoke too quickly- -too happy, too full of longing. I fed him slowly, trying to keep my trembling hands from showing. Every bite seemed to calm the storm inside my chest, while also stirring wounds that hadn¡¯t truly healed. ¡°Noah really loves the fried chicken,¡± he said with a mouth full, his face glowing. I just gave a small smile, adjusting the napkin in hisp. ¡°Slow down, sweetheart. You might choke.¡± He nodded quickly and resumed chewing. That little face¡­ it hadn¡¯t changed much since Ist held him. But now it looked older, more expressive. Or maybe it¡¯s just me-maybe time had stolen too much from us. Across the table, I could feel their eyes on me. Liam, silent. Emily, watching me with an expression I couldn¡¯t quite read. Was it anger, difort, or just confusion about this sudden, tension-filled encounter? But neither of them touched their food. Their tes remained full. Their spoons never lifted. I didn¡¯t dare look at them for too long. Too afraid to see the remnants of the wounds we once shared, or perhaps the truth that I was no longer part of ¡°us.¡± I tried to focus on Noah-his fingers sticky with sauce, his voice babbling on, his innocentughter bubbling without burden. But the world around me felt fragile, like ss that could shatter at any moment. The mood at this table was far too quiet for a family gathering. Except for Noah, no one was really talking. Only the soft clink of my spoon resting on the te¡¯s edge. ¡°I dreamed Mommy was at school,¡± Noah suddenly said, turning to me with his wide, sparkling eyes. ¡°Mommy was sitting in the very back row. But Mommy was crying.¡± My heart dropped. I held my breath for several seconds before finally offering a faint smile. ¡°It was just a dream, sweetheart. Mommy wasn¡¯t crying.¡± ¡°But I hugged Mommy in the dream,¡± he continued, unaffected by my hollow smile. ¡°Then I said, don¡¯t be sad. I¡¯m here.¡± My tears almost spilled. I quickly lowered my head, grabbed a tissue, and pretended to wipe Noah¡¯s mouth. Behind his little head, I could sense Emily¡¯s eyes still on me. A look I didn¡¯t interpret-because honestly, I couldn¡¯t bear the meaning of it tonight. Liliana beside me just sipped her orange juice quietly. Her eyes moved from one person to another, observing 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 48 50% with the awareness of a best friend who knew all too well the storm churning inside me. But she said nothing. She didn¡¯t press me with questions, didn¡¯t offer advice. Maybe she knew that this time, all I needed was space to breathe. I wiped Noah¡¯s cheek when a smear of sauce stuck there. He looked at me whileughing, then said, ¡°Mommy, juste home. The house is quiet, the red robot is broken too.¡± I froze for a moment, then offered a faint smile and gave a small nod, even though my chest felt like it was being squeezed from the inside. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter, okay? For now, eat a lot.¡± ¡°Hmm, ¡°Noah nodded as he opened his mouth again, ready to be fed. I could feel Liam¡¯s heavy breath from across the table. Could feel the tension hanging like a thin fog that refused to lift. But I chose to focus on my child. For now, that¡¯s the only thing I could hold onto without conditions, without having to think too far ahead. GET IT N¡­ 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 49 49 ? 50% 49 Sienna¡¯s POV I looked at that small face again, and for a moment, the world around me faded. There was something broken inside me, but something else slowly started toe back together. And maybe, just maybe¡­ this is a small step toward something I have yet to understand. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you tonight,¡± Liam¡¯s voice finally broke after having been just a silent presence across the table for so long. I turned slowly. His gaze wasn¡¯t as aggressive as usual, nor as cold as what I had received when everything fell apart. But behind his eyes, I could see unanswered questions, unhealed wounds, and feelings that-somehow- still lingered. I only nodded, offering a thin smile. ¡°Me neither.¡± There wasn¡¯t much more I could say. Things were alreadyplicated enough. Too many things that couldn¡¯t be fixed with a single conversation or look. Liliana sipped thest of her juice, then leaned back against the chair. In a calm yet firm voice, she said, ¡°It¡¯s I turned to her, surprised. Liliana¡¯s words felt like a soft p, a reminder that tonight had gone on too long. Too emotionally exhausting. But¡­ when I looked down and saw Noah sitting beside me, his eyes still sparkling, his cheeks still messy with sauce and crumbs, his innocent smile so sincere¡ªI hesitated. I didn¡¯t want to leave. I wanted to stay here. Beside him. In the little world he had built just for me tonight. I took a deep breath. Liliana¡¯s words hung in the air, slipping through the long silence that had dominated our table. The sound of frying from the kitchen in the distance, the clinking of spoons from other tables, and the night breeze sneaking through the window cracks felt more real than the conversation that had just taken ce. I should have stood up, agreed with her suggestion, and prepared to end the night like I had so many times before-with distance, pauses, and even longer pauses. But my body refused. Something held me back. Not just because Noah hadn¡¯t finished eating, not just because I feltfortable beside him. But because I knew, behind all this chaos, tonight was an exception. A pause from a reality that had been too harsh for too long. My gaze remained on Noah. His little hands, smeared with sauce, but he was eating enthusiastically as if nothing was bothering him. The world around him wasn¡¯tplicated, not burdened by history or painful 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 49 6 50% choices. For him, this was simply a dinner together. A fun night because everyone he knew-and loved-was at one table. I knew that once I stepped out of this restaurant, everything would go back to how it was. Liam would be a stranger filled with too-strong memories. Emily would still be a shadow from an old wound. And I would return to being someone suspended between the past and the present. But right now, in this seat, I felt whole. Even if just for a moment. The sky outside the window had gonepletely dark. Streetlights reflected off the ss, creating faint silhouettes of our faces. Faces that once knew each other so well, then slowly forgot, then became trapped in a frozen kind of caution. My back felt stiff, as if carrying something I¡¯d held too long. But I didn¡¯t move. I just looked at Noah, then briefly nced at Liam. Our eyes met again. This time there was no anger. Only the remnants of unspoken exhaustion. I wanted time to stop. Not to fix anything. Just to capture this moment. Because within all the cracks, tonight felt like a piece of peace I almost never got. But before I could decide or say anything, Noah suddenly began to cry. His tears didn¡¯t burst out, but they were enough to make everyone at the table turn in rm. His sobs were quiet but persistent, like a small tank cracking from the inside. I immediately bent down, hugging him tightly. ¡°Noah? Sweetheart, what¡¯s wrong? What is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want Mommy to go¡­¡± he said between broken sobs. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mommy¡­ I¡¯m sorry for being angry and saying mean things before¡­ I didn¡¯t know you were sad.¡± My tears fell instantly. I hugged that little body tighter, trying to calm his sobs, but his next words hit me even deeper. ¡°Grandma said Mommy won¡¯te home again¡­ Mommy has to stay far away¡­ Mommy doesn¡¯t love me anymore, she said¡­ But I want Mommy toe back¡­ I want Mommy with me and Daddy¡­ together again.¡± My heart felt like it had been ripped from my chest. The wound I had covered with work, loneliness, and the quiet of the beach was torn open again-by the tiny voice of my son. ¡°Noah¡­¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible. 11:16 AM 49 Tue 2 Sep 50% I didn¡¯t know what to say. There was no sentence that could exin why I left, why I didn¡¯t return, or why everything became soplicated. And how could I possibly exin all of that to a five-year-old child? All I could do was hold him tighter, kiss the top of his head again and again, trying to keep my own sobs from shaking his little body. ¡°Mommy is here¡­ Mommy loves you¡­ always,¡± I whispered gently into his ear. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby¡­ I¡¯m sorry Mommy didn¡¯te home that time.¡± Noah clutched my shirt tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t go again¡­ please.¡± I nodded in that embrace. ¡°Okay¡­ Mommy won¡¯t go tonight.¡± I could feel Liam exhale deeply from across the table, but I didn¡¯t have the courage to look at him. Emily remained silent, voiceless. Maybe she felt like a stranger. Maybe she felt like she shouldn¡¯t have been here in the first ce. Meanwhile, Liliana just sat frozen, her expression unreadable¡ªperhaps torn between wanting to protect me and letting fate take its course. I didn¡¯t know where to go from here. But what I did know tonight was¡­ I couldn¡¯t break my child¡¯s heart twice. For now, that was enough to keep me sitting here. Beside him. In his embrace-warm and sticky with ketchup, but never sweeter than this. 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 50 50 50% 50 Sienna¡¯s POV ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re going back there?¡± Liliana¡¯s voice was soft but clear amid the passing cars and the night wind that was starting to bite. We stood on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, the neon light above casting our reflections onto the rain-damp pavement. I looked at the ck car. Inside, I could make out Liam¡¯s silhouette in the driver¡¯s seat, Emily beside him, and Noah in the back, his face turned toward me as if afraid I might disappear at any moment. A weight settled in my chest that I couldn¡¯t exin, but I took a deep breath and answered quietly, ¡°I just want to make sure Noah sleeps well tonight. That¡¯s all.¡± Liliana looked at me for a long moment, as if searching for cracks in the decision I had just voiced. ¡°After that, I¡¯ll go back to the apartment. To your ce,¡± I added, trying to reassure her, even though my heart was racing out of rhythm. She finally nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll wait there. But if you change your mind, or if anything happens, call me, okay?¡± I nodded, then gave her a brief hug. ¡°Thank you¡­ always.¡± Our eyes shifted to the car. The cabin lights were on, and Liam was now looking our way, waiting. Emily had her head down, either scrolling through her phone or just avoiding the moment. But Noah stood on the back seat, leaning forward, his small hands pressed against the window as he waved faintly at me. I walked toward the car slowly, each step feeling heavier-as if my own body was betraying the decision I had made. The rain earlier had left a scent of wet earth lingering in the air, mixing with the tension that floated between us. My hand hesitated briefly on the door handle, but the look in Noah¡¯s eyes from behind the ss dissolved all doubt. Once I stepped inside, I was immediately met by his small arms wrapping tightly around me without a word. Noah simply rested his head on my chest, his breathing steady, though a soft tremble betrayed his calm. I held him closer, letting the scent of his children¡¯s soap seep deep into me, pulling out memories I had locked away. 1 Liam slowly drove off, taking us farther from the neon lights of the restaurant, which faded behind us in the 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 50 50% rearview mirror. No one spoke during the ride. Emily just stared out the window-no interruption, no questions. And I was grateful for that. Silence was easier to bear than hollow sympathy. The streets were quiet that night, city lights reflecting off Liam¡¯s face, which I nced at through the rearview mirror. His face was still the same-firm, calm-but with faint new lines that hadn¡¯t been there before. Lines carved by sleepless nights, unanswered questions, and silent grief. Every moment in that car felt like a step deeper into a narrow space without air. That car had once felt like home -a ce where I hadughed with Noah, leaned against Liam¡¯s shoulder during the rain, or just listened to ssical music with my eyes closed on the way home. But now, it felt foreign. A world that no longer weed
I opened the back door and sat beside Noah. The once-familiar scent of car perfume now stung, cold and distant. Noah immediately reached for my arm and rested his head on my shoulder. 1 ¡°I miss Mommy,¡± he whispered. I gave a small smile, stroking his hair. ¡°Mommy misses you too, sweetheart.¡± Liam nced at us through the rearview mirror, then started the engine. No one said a word. The car moved slowly, gliding through a city nearly asleep. The silence inside was soplete that I could hear the faint ticking of the digital clock on the dashboard. Emily remained quiet, still watching the raindrops race down the window. I didn¡¯t know what she was feeling¡ª anger, difort, maybe both. But tonight, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to care. My entire focus was on Noah. Liam drove carefully, navigating the wet roads under a gentle drizzle. Streetlights shimmered on the asphalt, casting shifting reflections as the car moved forward. In the backseat, I kept holding Noah close, listening to his breath as it slowed. His body, once tense, now rxed in my arms, as if he knew he was back where he belonged -in his mother¡¯s embrace. There was no sound except the soft hum of the air conditioner and the tires brushing against the damp road. I could hear the clock¡¯s faint ticking again, as if time itself had slowed for this moment. Liam sat upright in front, asionally ncing at the rearview mirror, then returning his eyes to the road-his expression unreadable. Emily remained still. For the first time, I didn¡¯t try to read her thoughts. Didn¡¯t try to exin mine. This space felt too small. As if the whole world had shrunk to just this car-and within it, only me and Noah mattered. ¡°I miss Mommy,¡± Noah whispered again, his voice barely audible. I looked down and stroked his hair gently. ¡°Mommy misses you too, sweetheart,¡± I whispered back. 1:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 50 50% He rested his head back against my chest, his arms wrapped around my waist as if afraid I might vanish again. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to contain the wave of emotion rising inside me. There was guilt. Regret. Wounds not yet healed. But there was also relief. Because tonight, even just for a while, I could give him something he¡¯d been longing for-something he desperately needed. Liam said nothing. But I knew he heard me. I saw the way he drew a quiet breath, then gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. I knew he was tired. And I knew my presence tonight was like a sudden storm disrupting the calm sea he had finally reached. But I had no choice. It was Noah who chose me. And just for this one night, I wanted to be the ce he returned to. The car kept moving, passing blinking red lights. The city was so quiet, it seemed to sink into our silence. Emily finally moved, pulling a thin nket from the back seat and handing it to me without looking. A small gesture ¡ªbut enough to make my chest tighten. I took it gently and tucked it around Noah. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, even though I knew she might not respond. The car continued on, taking us who-knows-where-into a night that was far from over, and feelings left unspoken. But for now, this embrace was enough. This small warmth was enough. ¡°Mommy¡¯s staying over?¡± Noah asked softly. I shook my head gently. ¡°No, sweetheart. Mommy¡¯s just here to help you fall asleep. Then Mommy has to go home. Okay?¡± His face fell slightly, but he nodded. ¡°But Mommy will read me a story first, right?¡± I smiled. ¡°Of course.¡± GET IT N 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 51 51 50% 51 Sienna¡¯s POV The car kept moving, and I stared out the window, letting the blurred city lights be my escape from the tightness in my chest. I wasn¡¯t here to relive the past, only tofort my son tonight. That¡¯s it. At least, that¡¯s what I wanted to believe. The roads we took were quiet now. Tall buildings loomed in silence, their shadows flickering across the window I held onto. The cold from the AC mingled with the night air seeping through the vents, creating a biting stillness that crept through the corners of my mind. The fading sounds of the city as we moved farther from the center made me realize how unfamiliar this journey felt, even though the route wasn¡¯t new. A route that once felt like home-back when everything was whole. Back when I sat in this seat not as a visitor, not as someone holding back-but as a part of them. In the front seat, Liam stayed focused on the road, both hands gripping the wheel-too tightly, maybe. Tension lined his jaw, his shoulders tensing slightly every time we hit a red light. He hadn¡¯t said a word since we started driving, but his silence spoke volumes. Of confusion. Of wounds not yet healed. Of all the things we never got to say. Emily, next to him, was still quiet. She leaned slightly toward the window, her face unreadable. I didn¡¯t know what she was thinking, and honestly, tonight I didn¡¯t have the energy to care. I wasn¡¯t here to fix anything with anyone-only with my son. Noah rested in myp, his body heavier now as sleep began to take him, but his fingers still gripped mine tightly. There wasfort in that grip. A reminder that he was still small, that he still needed shelter, and how close I hade to losing the chance to be that shelter because of a decision I once made. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the rhythm of my heart. I didn¡¯t know what would happen once Noah fell asleep. I didn¡¯t know how to say goodbye without making him sad. But one thing was certain-I had to leave. I had to. Because if I stayed too long, I was afraid I might not want to go. And that kind offort¡­ can be poison. The car turned into a residentialplex I knew all too well. Neatly paved roads, rows of trees nted in perfect symmetry, even the dim garden lights hadn¡¯t changed. It all felt like a homing that should have warmed me-but instead, it chilled me to the bone. A cold that crept slowly from the soles of my feet to the pit of my heart. 1:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 51 We arrived at the house. 50% My steps felt heavy as I walked across the marble floor that once felt so familiar. The air inside was still cool, clean, and scented with the faint fragrance of dried flowers-flowers Emily always reced every week. But it felt different now. Too foreign. Too quiet to be called my home anymore. Liam opened the door first, letting me in while Noah clung tightly to my hand. Emily walked inst, said nothing, and disappeared into her room without a word. I stood in the middle of the living room, silently taking everything in. The gray sofa I used to nap on when Noah was fussy was still there. The crystal vase on the ss table still stood in its ce, filled with fresh flowers now slightly wilted. But what struck me the hardest was the family portrait on the wall-me, Liam, and Noah. Hung back up again. A world that once held me in ce¡­ and now pushed me out without a sound. ¡°Noah, let¡¯s change and brush your teeth first,¡± I said softly, stroking his head. He nodded and ran to his room. I followed behind him, just like I used to. Got his pajamas, helped him brush his teeth, wiped his little hands with a towel-our old nightly routine. ¡°Mommy, read me a story,¡± he said, climbing into bed and pulling the nket up to his chest. I smiled and picked one of his favorite storybooks from the shelf titled The Rabbit¡¯s Adventure in the Mushroom Forest. I sat beside him, reading slowly, my voice almost a whisper. Noah looked at me with half-closed eyes, still fighting off sleep. ¡°Noah, are you sleepy? Let¡¯s sleep now,¡± I said while gently stroking his hair. But suddenly, he opened his eyes and looked at me with sadness. ¡°Mommy, the red robot is broken.¡± I paused for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Yeah, Mommy heard. Auntie Emily didn¡¯t mean to, right?¡± Noah nodded, lips pouting. ¡°That was Noah¡¯s favorite robot¡­ Mommy gave it to me.¡± ¡°I know, sweetheart.¡± I leaned down and kissed his forehead. ¡°Mommy will buy you a new one, okay? The exact same one.¡± ¡°Noah wants it from Mommy, not anyone else,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Mommy promises,¡± I whispered with a smile, though my heart sank. 11:16 AM Tue 2 Sep 51 50% He rested his head back on the pillow. But just when I thought he¡¯d fall asleep, he said again, ¡°Read one more, Mommy¡­ the one with the rabbit flying in a balloon.¡± I sighed softly, then nodded. ¡°One more, okay? Then sleep.¡± So I read The Rabbit and the Hot Air Balloon. He listened, his eyes growing heavier. My voice was soft, slow, almost like a luby. When I finished thest line, I turned and saw him fast asleep-his breathing calm, arms folded on his chest, lips slightly parted just like they always were when he slept deeply. Carefully, I ced the book back on the small table beside the bed. I stood up slowly, trying not to make any sound. But just as I turned around and began to step away, I felt a small tug at the edge of my shirt. ¡°Noah?¡± I whispered. His little hand was still clutching my pajama shirt, and from his tiny lips moving in his sleep, I heard faintly, ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­¡± My steps halted. I turned and looked at his peaceful sleeping face, but his hand hadn¡¯t let go. Even though the words came from a dream, they rooted me to the spot. I knew that when I truly leftter, I¡¯d be leaving another wound in my son¡¯s heart. Suddenly, my whole body felt heavy. I sat back on the edge of the bed, letting Noah keep holding onto my shirt. I didn¡¯t say anything. Just stared at his face, serene in sleep. That night, I could only sit in silence. Letting the night wrap us in quiet and unresolved shadows. Along with longing, an unhealed wound, and a love that still wanted to stay. 1:16 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 52 52 50% 52 Sienna¡¯s POV I gently loosened the small hand clutching my shirt. Noah was fast asleep now, though his face still held a trace of worry even in his dreams. I took a deep breath and leaned down to kiss his forehead one more time before slowly rising to my feet. Each step out of the room felt heavier than thest. Even the soft sound of the door being pulled closed behind me rang like a painful ending. I had never imagined returning to this house only to read a bedtime story and then leave with a heart even more shattered than before. I walked slowly down the hallway, returning to the main living area. The house was just like it used to be¡ª warm, neatly arranged, with a faint scent of soap and flowers lingering in every corner. But now it all felt unfamiliar. As if I were merely a guest allowed to visit briefly, to remember, before being expected to leave before staying too long. At the dining table, there were still traces of Noah¡¯s snacks¡ªa half-eaten biscuit and a ss of milk that had long since gone cold. I stared at them for a long time. I used to be the one who prepared those things. I used to know exactly which biscuits he liked best, how much sugar to sprinkle on them to get him to eat eagerly. But now¡­ someone else took care of all that. I lowered my gaze, letting my fingers lightly touch the cold surface of the table. The guilt crept in again, pressing against my chest like boiling steam. If only I hadn¡¯t left. If only I had held on a little longer-would things have turned out differently? Would Noah have grown up without knowing loss at such a young age? The dim light from the hangingmp illuminated the spacious room, and there they were. Liam and Emily. Sitting on the sofa I once used to cradle Noah when he had a fever. Now upied by two figures who felt like thorns in my chest. Emily turned first. Her gaze was sharp, her chin slightly lifted. ¡°All done? Are you leaving now?¡± she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm and disdain, as if my presence here was nothing but an unwee intrusion. Liam said nothing, but the coldness in his eyes spoke volumes. He was waiting for an answer-waiting to see if I would choose to stay or walk away for good. I straightened my posture. 11:17 AM Tue 2 Sep 52 ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in my chest. ¡°I won¡¯t being back.¡± Emily smiled. A satisfied smile that turned my stomach. ? 50% ¡°Good,¡± she replied, standing. Her steps were light, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Without another word, she walked toward the bedroom I knew was now theirs. The room I once filled with love and dreams that never got the chance to bloom. I watched her until she disappeared behind the door. Liam still said nothing. He sat there, arms crossed. I wanted to say something to him-some kind of proper goodbye. But the words wouldn¡¯te. My tongue refused to cooperate. How could I say goodbye to someone who had carved my heart apart? I turned my gaze away, looking at the empty coffee table, then at the bookshelf I had once arranged myself. Everything was still the same, yet none of it belonged to me anymore. This house. This life. Even my own family. I walked slowly to the front door, grabbing the bag I had left near the shoe rack. My hands trembled slightly as I gripped its handle. Behind me, I could still feel Liam¡¯s stare, but I didn¡¯t turn around. I opened the door carefully, not wanting to wake Noah. The night air greeted me with a sharp chill that bit at my skin. I drew a deep breath, letting the cold night air fill my lungs. It felt sharp but also calming¡ªas if signaling that I was really leaving. That this step was not a dream, not a moment of weakness, but a decision born from a wound I had hidden for far too long. I stepped outside, onto the terrace slick with dew. My canvas shoes scraped softly against the floor. Around me, the night was still. Only the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of traffic could be heard. I closed the door quietly, nearly soundless. Then I stood there for a moment, hugging my bag, frozen in front of the house I once called home. This was where everything had started between Liam and me. Back when hope was whole and love hadn¡¯t yet been tainted. Now, all that remained were walls and a roof filled with too many memories-and betrayal. The porch light still glowed dimly, and I saw my reflection in the side window. A weary face, eyes swollen. But also¡­ the face of a woman who chose to leave to save herself. 11:17 AM 52 Tue 2 Sep THE 50% My steps felt heavy as I began descending the front steps. But I didn¡¯t stop. I couldn¡¯t. Because if I stopped now, I might turn around. And if I turned around, I was afraid I¡¯d crumble again. I walked past the front garden I had once filled with rose bushes-some of them still bloomed, as if unaware this house no longer belonged to me. And when I opened the small gate, I knew: no one would stop me. No one would ask me to exin. The taxi¡¯s headlights approached slowly. I stepped forward to g it down. But then I heard it-the sound of quick footsteps, followed by hurried breathing. ¡°Sienna!¡± I turned. Liam. He approached with hesitant steps, his eyes filled with uncertainty, his lips parted as if unsure where to begin. I didn¡¯t move. I just looked at him over my shoulder. ¡°You¡­ you should¡¯ve stayed the night,¡± he said, his voice soft but cutting through the silence. ¡°It¡¯s toote to be going home now,¡± he added, his tone faltering. I stared at his face for a moment-a face I once memorized down to every line, now felt foreign, like a faded painting. No words came from me, and no steps were taken to close the distance. The night wind blew through my hair, lifting a few strands from my face, as if helping sweep away thest traces of hesitation still lingering. GET IT N¡­ Sincerity 53 53 54 Sienna¡¯s POV My steps felt heavy as I finally reached Liliana¡¯s apartment door. My hand trembled, struggling to press the passcode. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was from the cold or from being too exhausted trying to keep everything looking like it was okay. The moment the door opened, warmth from inside greeted me. But it wasn¡¯t a healing kind of warmth. It felt more like a p-reminding me how far I had drifted from the life that used to feel so orderly. I stepped inside slowly. The usual scent of cinnamon and vani that used to calm me now felt foreign. Everything looked neat, warm,fortingpletely the opposite of the chaos swirling inside me. I took off my jacket and dropped it carelessly on the couch, something I normally would never do. But tonight, I didn¡¯t have the energy to be the best version of myself. My steps stopped at therge window facing the street. Headlights from passing cars danced across the wall in shifting shadows. I stood there for a long moment, staring out at a world that kept moving forward, indifferent to who was breaking, who was leaving, and who was barely holding on with what strength they had left. I took a deep breath, but it only made the tightness in my chest worse. I slowly sank onto the couch, and just like that, every wall I had built came crashing down. My shoulders shook-not from the cold, but from a grief I could no longer hide. I thought I was strong enough. I thought that if I walked far enough from the past, I could heal. But the truth was, the wounds Liam left behind couldn¡¯t be measured by time or distance. Every word he said earlier-his apologies, his toote promises-cut me again. Not because I still hoped, but because I once built my hopes entirely on him. And now, only the ruins remained. I thought of Noah. Of his little face that always gave me the will to keep going, even when the world seemed intent on tearing me down. I thought of how one day I would have to exin everything to him. That love isn¡¯t always enough to make two people stay. That some things matter more than just going back. Like dignity. Like peace. My phone buzzed. A message from Liliana asking if I¡¯d arrived. I typed a short reply, then leaned my head against the back of the couch. For now, I just wanted silence. To merge with the quiet night, which felt far more honest than all the words Liam had ever said to me. The tears still fell-slow and silent-but I let them. Because maybe for the first time, I didn¡¯t want to appear 11:17 AM Tue 2 Sep 54 50% strong. Maybe tonight, I just wanted to be an ordinary woman with a broken heart-no pressure to get up, no need to exin why I had to leave. I tried to move quietly, not wanting to wake anyone, but a small voice came from behind the couch. ¡°Sienna?¡± It was hoarse and sleepy. Liliana. She sat up, rubbed her eyes, then stood and walked toward me. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± she asked gently, but I didn¡¯t get the chance to answer. I was standing just inside the entrance, my body trembling, and before I could respond¡­ I broke. The sob tore from my throat, loud and uncontroble. I copsed to my knees, covering my face with both hands, my body shaking with sobs I hadn¡¯t let out until now. My crying echoed through the small room. It hurt. It hurt so much. I couldn¡¯t hold anything back anymore. ¡°Oh my God¡­ Sienna!¡± Liliana immediately knelt down and wrapped her arms around me without saying a word. She didn¡¯t ask questions. She didn¡¯t offer advice. She just held me, letting me drown in the tears that had been waiting so long to escape. My tears soaked her shoulder, my sobs mixed with breathless gasps. But she didn¡¯t mind. She just kept stroking my back gently, patiently, like she wasbing through all the rot I had left to fester inside for too long. Amid the subsiding sobs, I heard the steady rhythm of her breath. The sound of her heartbeat was clear in my ear, grounding me with the reminder that I wasn¡¯t alone-at least not tonight. That there was still someone willing to be a safe ce when the rest of the world only demanded strength from me without pause. ¡°I hate all of this,¡± I whispered, barely audible, more to myself than to her. ¡°I hate my own feelings. I hate that I¡¯m still hoping, even though I know I should walk away. Liliana simply nodded, as if to say: It¡¯s okay. Hate is okay. You¡¯re human. I wiped my face with both hands. My breathing was still shaky, my chest aching like I¡¯d just run too far without knowing where I was going. But the pain eased just a little. Not gone, but enough to let me breathe. ¡°I thought I could get through all of this alone,¡± I muttered, my eyes still puffy. ¡°But I can¡¯t, Liliana. I¡¯m too tired.¡± This time, she responded, her voice almost a hug: ¡°You don¡¯t have to do it alone, Sienna. It¡¯s okay to be tired. It¡¯s okay to be angry. It¡¯s okay to fall apart. And you 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 54 54 50% can stay here, for as long as you need.¡± My tears broke again. Not because I was sad-but because of those words. So simple, yet almost impossible to hear from anyone until now. Everyone thought I was strong. Everyone assumed I knew what I was doing. When in truth, most of my time was spent just trying to hold myself together, to not fall apart in front of others. 1 looked up slightly, meeting her eyes. ¡°If I give up¡­ would you still want me around?¡± ¡°If you give up, I¡¯ll give up with you. We can fall together, as long as you don¡¯t disappear alone.¡± I held her tighter, not holding anything back anymore. That night, in the arms of a friend, I let every mask I¡¯d worn crumble. I allowed myself to break. And for the first time¡­ I didn¡¯t feel ashamed of it. That night, I just wanted to be human. Not a mother. Not a strong woman. Not the ex-wife who had to stay Just Sienna. The one who was tired. The one who cried. But the one who, finally¡­ was brave enough to begin healing. ¡°Why does everything have to be this bad?¡± I whispered in despair. ¡°Why do I have to lose everything all at once?¡± Liliana didn¡¯t answer. But her hug was enough to make me feel I wasn¡¯t alone-at least not tonight. GET IT N 56 Sincerity 55 55 Sienna¡¯s POV My sobs slowly faded, though my body still trembled. I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand, still huping as I tried to breathe. The ache remained, but at least now I could breathe a little easier. Liliana led me to the sofa without many words. She wrapped a nket around me, then disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a warm ss of water. Her hand touched my shoulder gently as she offered it to me. I epted it, though my hands were still shaking. A sip of that warm water slid down my throat like a quiet hug,forting without needing any exnation. I sat with my knees pulled to my chest, wrapped in silence that somehow felt warmer than any words. Liliana sat beside me, not forcing me to speak. Just being there. Sometimes, that was exactly what I needed-someone who didn¡¯t try to fix me, just stayed. The ticking of the wall clock was soft. Outside the window, the city remained awake under the glow of amber street lights. But in here, in this small apartment, time seemed to slow. It felt like this space was giving me permission to breathe, without rushing, without answering anything, without pretending to smile. I closed my eyes for a moment, and for the first time in weeks-or maybe months-I didn¡¯t feel like I was falling alone. The pain was still there, the bitterness still lingering. But there was a flicker of relief, because I no longer had to carry it alone. Noah¡¯s face appeared in my mind. His smile. His giggle while ying with wooden blocks. The way his eyes always searched for me. I missed him-every second. But the guilt kept holding me back, making me feel unworthy. I was too tired, too broken. And I was afraid he¡¯d see his mother like this-like a shattered version of someone who used to be strong. But tonight, with Liliana, I no longer denied how broken I was. I didn¡¯t force myself to stand tall. Maybe, to truly heal, I had to pass through this stage first. The stage of admitting I had fallen, that I needed time, and that it was okay to feel sad, disappointed, and empty. I nced at Liliana, still sitting quietly beside me. Her gaze was gentle. There was no judgment in her eyes. Only eptance. That was enough. Enough to make me want to keep going. At least for tonight, I had a ce toe home to-even if it wasn¡¯t a house. Even if it wasn¡¯t Liam. Even if it wasn¡¯t Noah. 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 55 *** ? 50% Sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, piercing my sore and swollen eyes. As I opened them, the sting was sharp. They felt dry, puffy, and tight from hours of crying I could no longer count. I blinked slowly. My body ached from sleeping in an awkward position on the couch. The nket Liliana had ced over mest night still covered my legs. I nced toward the wall clock-nearly eight in the morning. ¡°Well, well. The half-zombie finally wakes up,¡± a familiar voice made me turn. Liliana stood not far from me, already dressed in a zer and skirt. Her hair was half-tied up, her face fresh and ready to face the world. Such a contrast to me-disheveled, messy, and not even having wiped away the dried tears still clinging to my face. ¡°There¡¯s porridge in the kitchen. Still warm, just eat it. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re not hungry-you cried all night.¡± I only nodded, my voice too weak to reply. But I think she knew I was grateful. Liliana nced at her watch, then picked up her bag. At the door, she turned around again, her face hesitant. ¡°Sienna,¡± she said softly, ¡°are you sure you don¡¯t want me to stay with you today? I can ask for half a day off if you-¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a child,¡± I cut in quickly, my voice raspier than I expected. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she finally nodded. ¡°Okay. But don¡¯t forget to eat. And rest.¡± I took a deep breath, trying to offer a faint smile. ¡°Go, or you¡¯ll bete.¡± She nodded once more, opened the door, and left. The door shut quietly behind her, leaving a silence that filled every corner of the apartment. I sat in silence on the couch for a moment, staring at the door that had just closed. It felt strange. After a night full of sobs and emotional exhaustion, the morning came as if nothing had happened. But my body knew. My heart knew. Something was broken, and I had no idea how to fix it. Reluctantly, I got up and walked to the kitchen. I found a bowl of chicken porridge on the table, still letting off a thin wisp of steam. Liliana had kept her word. She might be tough, but she always knew how to take care of the people she loved-including me, in her own quiet, no-nonsense way. I sat at the dining table, stared at the porridge for a while, then stirred it slowly. I wasn¡¯t hungry, but I knew I had to eat. Liliana was right. I needed to take care of myself. Because if I didn¡¯t care about myself, who would? 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 55 50% I took small spoonfuls of the porridge, a faint warmth blooming in my stomach. But that wasn¡¯t what I needed right now. What I wanted-what I truly longed for-was peace. And somehow, that felt like the hardest thing to find. The spoon was halfway to my mouth when a notification sound broke the morning silence. I frowned, surprised -who would be contacting me this early? Liliana was surely already busy at work. I set the bowl aside and reached for my phone on the kitchen table. A message from Liam. [Are you still at Liliana¡¯s apartment?] It was short, but it sent a jolt of difort through my chest. Before I could think too much, another message followed. [Can we meet? I¡¯m in the lobby of Liliana¡¯s apartment.] I froze in ce. My breath caught. Between confusion, anxiety, and the lingering anger fromst night, I didn¡¯t know how to respond. Liam? Here? After everything? I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. My mind was torn. Part of me wanted to stay-safe, sheltered, letting my heart recover from yesterday. But another part of me knew this had to be faced. If not now, then when? With trembling fingers, I typed a reply. [I¡¯ll meet you. But not in the lobby. There¡¯s a small caf¨¦ across the street. Let¡¯s talk there.] I stared at my phone for a long while after sending the message. Still unsure if this was the right decision. But I knew I couldn¡¯t keep hiding. This wasn¡¯t just about me anymore. It was about Noah. About everything I had buried deep until it explodedst night. I stood up from my chair and set the spoon down-still unused after that one bite. My steps felt heavy as I walked to the bedroom to change. ncing at my reflection in the mirror, I whispered softly, ¡°You can do this, Sienna. It¡¯s just a conversation. Just a talk.¡± But deep inside, I knew¡­ It would be anything but just a talk. 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 56 56 56 Sienna¡¯s POV 5079 *15 BONUS My steps paused for a moment in front of the ss door of the small caf¨¦ just across from the apartment. The damp morning air still clung to my skin, but it wasn¡¯t that which made my body feel heavy-it was the reality that I was about to sit down and talk with someone who had once been the center of my life¡­ and also its undoing. I pushed the door open and immediately spotted Liam sitting in the corner of the caf¨¦, wearing a dark shirt, his hands sped anxiously on the table. His eyes went straight to me the moment I walked in. I saw a sh of relief on his face, but I didn¡¯t return his expression with a smile. I took a deep breath and walked over. ¡°Morning,¡± I murmured briefly, then sat down across from him. ¡°Morning,¡± Liam replied softly. A barista came over and we ordered. I chose an espresso. I needed something strong to keep my mind steady during this conversation. Liam ordered an americano. Once our drinks arrived, he looked at the small cup in front of me, then at me. ¡°Since when do you like espresso?¡± he asked softly, trying to break the ice. I shrugged, sipping the bitter liquid slowly before answering, ¡°Since always.¡± Liam frowned. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t know.¡± I let out a shortugh. Bitter. ¡°Of course, you didn¡¯t know. What do you know, Liam?¡± Immediately, silence fell over our table. I could see how he tried to absorb my words, swallowing them without knowing how to respond. He looked like a man just realizing he¡¯d missed the entirety of the life of the person who used to sleep beside him. Liam lowered his gaze. His fingers clenched on the table, then slowly rxed, as if he wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t find the weight to lift the words. Meanwhile, my eyes drifted to the window, watching the cars go by, the people rushing through their routines. Life goes on. Even when our world is falling apart, the universe never really stops. I reached for my coffee and took another sip. The bitterness stung my tongue, but part of me weed it¡ª maybe because that taste felt honest. It didn¡¯t pretend to be sweet. It didn¡¯t lie, unlike so many things I used to 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 56 believe in. 50% 415 BONUS Liam shifted his water ss. A small movement, barely audible, but enough to disturb the quiet. I didn¡¯t turn to him. There was a strange pause hanging between us, like a breath held too long with no clue how to release it. My mind wandered, tracing the fragments of a past I once called home. Memories of lonely nights when I stayed awake alone, of holding back sobs so I wouldn¡¯t wake Noah, of learning to be strong simply because I had no other choice. All of ityered into scars that never truly healed. Sitting across from me now was the man I had once given every piece of myself to. But also the man who quietly left-not physically, but through his absence of attention, of empathy, of love that should¡¯ve protected instead of neglecting. The morning sun began slipping through the thin curtains, casting a soft shadow across the table. I stared at the light for a moment. Strange, how peaceful everything seemed, when I still carried a storm inside my chest. But maybe that¡¯s how pain works. It can look so calm on the surface, while gaping wide beneath. Liam leaned back in his chair, and I noticed how tired his features looked-more worn than thest time I remembered him. His hair a little longer, his eyes dimmer. But it didn¡¯t change the fact that he was still the same man¡ªthe one who made me feel most alone even when he was right beside me. Time seemed to slow. I lifted my gaze from my cup, briefly looking at him. Still no words. But maybe that was for the best. Some things didn¡¯t need exnation. Wounds knew how to speak for themselves. And today¡¯s silence had said enough: not everything broken can be made whole again. ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± I finally asked, cutting straight to the point. Liam looked at me, his gaze intense. He seemed exhausted, and honestly, I couldn¡¯t tell if it was fromck of sleep¡­ or from losing me. ¡°I want you toe back,¡± he said softly, but firmly. My blood boiled instantly. I stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Are you serious?¡± He nodded slowly. ¡°Liam,¡± my voice trembled with restrained emotion. ¡°You still don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± ¡°No,¡± he admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t. I thought you loved me. If you did, why did you leave?¡± Iughed. This time, more clearly. Not because it was funny-but because it was too ironic. 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 56 50% ¡°So that¡¯s what you think?¡± I looked him in the eye. ¡°You think I left because I stopped loving you?¡± He said nothing. Neither denying nor confirming. I set my cup down. ¡°Have you forgotten, Liam? I stayed by your side for years, hoping you¡¯d see me. Praying silently that you¡¯d touch me without it feeling forced. But you were cold. Distant. As if I was just the mother of your child-not your partner.¡± ¡°Sienna-¡± ¡°I¡¯m not finished,¡± I cut in, my voice quiet, but sharp. ¡°You shut your heart. You were never really there for me. You were present, but empty. Do you have any idea how painful it is to love someone who doesn¡¯t even see you?¡± His jaw clenched. His eyes held something that looked like regret, but no rity. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve left, now that everything¡¯s fallen apart, you want me back? Just like that? Because you miss me?¡± Liam opened his mouth, but I said it first: ¡°You¡¯re selfish.¡± ¡°No-I just¡­ I¡¯m confused, Sienna. It hurts. Something¡¯s missing. I thought¡­ I thought I¡¯d be okay. But the truth is, I can¡¯t stop thinking about you.¡± I gave a bitter smile. ¡°That¡¯s not love, Liam. That¡¯s guilt. Or maybe ate realization of what you¡¯ve lost.¡¯ ¡°But I truly want you toe back. For Noah¡­ for us.¡± >> GET IT N¡­ 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% Sincerity 57 57 Sienna¡¯s POV I shook my head slowly. ¡°I loved you, Liam. I did. But I¡¯m just too tired now. My love for you has long burned out. I can¡¯t go back to a ce that broke me-slowly, every single day. I have to choose to love myself this time.¡± He looked at me like he wanted to beg. But no words came out. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me toe back just because you feel empty. I know what it¡¯s like to live with someone who doesn¡¯t love me the way I loved them. I don¡¯t want Noah to see that and think that¡¯s what love looks like.¡± I picked up my small bag and stood. ¡°Thank you for being honest, Liam. But this¡­ it¡¯s toote.¡± Before I turned away, I caught a glimpse of the broken expression on his face. But I knew-if I stayed there any longer, I would fall into the same wound again. I wouldn¡¯t let that happen again. I walked out of the caf¨¦ with quick steps, as if the ss walls would copse behind me if I dyed even for a second. The soft sound of the door closing behind me felt like a sign that the conversation was truly over. That I had closed a door I¡¯d spent far too long hoping would open for me. The morning wind was still blowing gently, but I didn¡¯t feel the coolness. Instead, my chest felt full. Tight. As if I were carrying a backpack filled with all the memories and wounds I never had the chance to unpack. I didn¡¯t cry. Not yet. But the feeling was there, building like waves held back by crumbling rocks. My steps stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. I looked toward Liliana¡¯s apartment-the ce I now considered safe, or at least safer than the house I once shared with Liam. That house was never truly mine. I was only borrowing space in the emptiness. My phone vibrated. One message came through. From Liam. [I¡¯m sorry.] Two words. Simple. But not enough to heal a wound that deep. I exhaled slowly, holding back the tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. Why only now? Why did it take me leaving for him to realize something was missing? Why does it always take losing someone to see who¡¯s really been there all along? 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% 57 I continued walking. Slowly. My head down, and every step felt heavy. I couldn¡¯t imagine walking back into Liliana¡¯s apartment with my mind this nk. But I also knew-I couldn¡¯t go back to the past just because someone now feels suffocated without me. In my heart, I knew I¡¯d made the right choice. But knowing and living with it are two different things. The pain still lingers, even when you know it¡¯s for the best. That¡¯s love, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s not always logical. It stays even when it should¡¯ve died. Ites uninvited. And when it leaves, it leaves a void that no one else can fill. I reached the apartment building, pressed the elevator button without really thinking. Inside the elevator, I caught my reflection in the metallic walls. Puffy eyes. A tired face. A chest rising and falling with breaths that still hadn¡¯t steadied. The elevator chimed softly when it reached Liliana¡¯s floor. I stepped out and opened the door gently. The apartment was quiet, warm, andfortable. So different from the big house I once called home-a house that felt more like a lifeless museum. I hung my jacket by the door, took off my shoes without a sound. My steps felt light yet hollow, like my body moved faster than the thoughts I had left behind in that caf¨¦. A faint scent of tea lingered from the kitchen, maybe from when Liliana had made a cup earlier, or maybe she was still in her room. But I didn¡¯t call out to her. I just needed silence. Stillness, to hold myself together. into I walked to the sofa and sat down slowly, staring nkly at the ceiling. My body felt too tired to cry, too drained to think through something that was supposedly over. But was it really over? Or had I just tucked it away the deepest drawer of my heart so it wouldn¡¯t interfere with my day? I hugged the pillow beside me, pulling my knees to my chest like a child seeking safety. Then I just sat there, letting time pass, letting the grief creep in-this time without resistance. Because resisting only prolongs the pain. Today, I chose to acknowledge it. My phone vibrated quietly in my bag. I nced at the screen. Just a message from the work group, discussing next week¡¯s presentation. The world keeps moving, just as it always does. It doesn¡¯t stop for heartbreak. For loss. For those still learning to breathe in the ruins of their own lives. And maybe that¡¯s what makes it all so heavy-because there¡¯s never time to truly pause. I stood up, walked to the kitchen, poured myself a ss of water, and drank it slowly. Just in water, but at a time like this, it felt like a remedy. For a moment, I leaned against the counter, closed my eyes, letting the quiet wrap around everything. No voices. Just the ticking of the clock and the steady beat of my heart finally starting to calm. 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% I thought of Noah. His face, hisughter, the way he hugged me without conditions. He was the only reason I kept going. The only reason I had the courage to leave a rtionship that had long stopped being healthy, even if I still carried love in it. Because true love should never make you feel alone. I know there¡¯s still a lot I have to think about, still so much to fight for. I know there will be long, lonely nights. Mornings greeted by tears. Days when I¡¯ll have to pretend I¡¯m okay for the world. But that¡¯s okay. Because today, for the first time, I chose myself. 11:18 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 58 58 58 Sienna¡¯s POV I cried for myself. For all those years I waited for someone who never even realized I was bleeding. For years I tried to be enough for someone who never truly wanted to see me. And now¡­ now that he finally turned to look at me, I am already too tired. My phone buzzed again. But this time, I didn¡¯t want to look at it. Didn¡¯t want to know. I needed time for myself. To reweave the shattered pieces of my heart. To rebuild the self-worth that once crumbled, piece by piece. Iy down on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. The world felt quiet, but for the first time, the silence didn¡¯t scare me. Because now I know¡­ I still have myself. I let my body sink deeper into the sofa. Thete afternoon air slipped in through the slightly opened window, carrying the scent of freshly fallen rain. Outside, the sky was still gray, as if it too felt the weight on my chest. But I wasn¡¯t crying anymore. That earlier cry had been myst one today-or at least I hoped so. This time, it wasn¡¯t about losing someone, but about finally finding myself. All this time, I had lived in his shadow. Everything I did, every small decision to every major sacrifice, revolved around him. I shaped myself based on what he needed, not what I wanted. I was so busy adapting that I forgot how to stand tall as my own person. And now, with everything broken and nothing left to prove to him, all that¡¯s left is me¡­ and the emptiness that slowly feels less frightening. I rose slowly and walked to the kitchen. I filled a ss with water and took small sips. Every simple movement felt like a new beginning. cing the ss in the sink, opening the window wider, brushing away crumbs from the table. Simple routines, but today they held a different meaning. No longer just automatic motions to wee someone who was never truly present. But for
  1. Just for me.
My phone still lit up on the table, vibrating asionally. The name on the screen remained the same, repeating like the ticking of the wall clock-relentless, but no longer moving me. I used to reply instantly. No matter how many times he ignored me before, I was always the first to forgive, the one who ran back to his arms even though they were lined with thorns. But not today. I chose to sit by the window, hugging my knees, letting the breeze touch my tear-stained face. There were birds chirping in the distance, from who knows where. The silence I once feared had now turned into peace. Maybe being alone wasn¡¯t always a bad thing. Maybe this was the universe¡¯s way of asking me toe home-not to a ce or a person, but to myself. I closed my eyes. Remembering who I was before all of this began. Sienna whoughed at simple things. Who stayed upte reading because she loved stories. Who danced alone in her room without caring who saw. That girl¡­ she¡¯s still here. Buried, but not gone. And starting tonight, I¡¯ll slowly bring her back, gently, like weing an old friend. Because if the world refuses to choose me, at the very least, I will choose myself. An hourter, I got up and went to the kitchen. I reheated the porridge Liliana had made that morning. Steam rose slowly from the 11:19 AM 58 Tue 2 Sep ? 50% bowl, oddly calming me. Something so simple¡­ yet so full of care. Something that had long been missing. I ate slowly, savoring each spoonful. Not because I was hungry, but because I wanted to learn how to give myself the appreciation I never received from others. After eating, I cleaned the table and washed my hands. Then I walked to the guest room I had been staying in. Inside, there was a soft bed, warm pillows, and a space that never demanded me to be the ¡°perfect wife.¡± I sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath. I know this is just the beginning. The wound hasn¡¯t healed. But at least today, I stood on my own. Today, I was able to say no to going back to someone who onlyes when he feels he¡¯s lost something. Today, I chose myself. This is the first step toward freedom. Tonight, maybe I¡¯ll cry again. But that¡¯s okay. Because I know, tomorrow always brings a new chance. One day, someday, I know love wille again. Not out of guilt¡­ but because he truly sees me. Loves me. Just as I am. I sat on the edge of the bed for a long time, simply staring at my empty hands folded in myp. The clock ticked on, a sound that usually went unnoticed, now sounded like a slow, painful reminder of time passing. I didn¡¯t know how long I had been in this room, apanied only by the silence and my own thoughts. But for the first time, I let it be. I weed the silence instead of resisting it. Usually, during moments like this, I would look for distractions-pick up my phone, call someone, bury myself in work. But not this time. This time, I chose to sit still with the wounds I had been hiding. Liam wants me toe back. That sentence kept echoing in my head. Creeping in like a whisper, tempting me to feel regret. But I didn¡¯t regret it. What I regretted was staying too long in a ce that never gave me meaning. Do I love Liam? Once, I loved him with every breath in me. I loved him in a way that made me forget how to love myself. I let myself be hurt, belittled, even forgotten, simply because I was afraid of losing him. But what I never realized was-I had already lost, long before I truly walked away. I lost myself. Love had once made me feel warm. But when Liam turned into a stranger before my eyes, that love slowly turned into pain. One wound at a time. I heard the phone vibrate on the small table next to the bed. I turned, nced at the screen as it lit up briefly, then went dark again. Liam. Again. I¡¯d lost count of how many messages he¡¯d sent today. I didn¡¯t even care what he wanted to say anymore. I didn¡¯t want to read it¡ª not now. Not when I was trying to hold the line, to stop myself from being tempted again by something I once called home. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 59 59 ~ 50% 59 Sienna¡¯s POV Iy down, pulling the nket up to my chest. A long exhale escaped my lips. I was tired. Not just physically, but in the way someone feels after a long battle where no one really wins. I didn¡¯t even know if this was a victory or just another escape. My eyes stared at the ceiling. nk. Empty. And strangely, that emptiness felt more honest than the fake smile I used to wear in that house. I remembered Noah. His innocent face lying on that hospital bed. His small eyes looking at me full of hope, full of longing. Only that child made me hesitate. Only because of Noah did I still ask myself: Should I go back? But should I return to the very ce that slowly killed me, just to be beside a child who doesn¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening? Tears slid silently from the corners of my eyes. Warm, and somehow reaching deep into my chest. I love Noah. So much. But I can¡¯t sacrifice myself again-not even for him. I¡¯ve tried before. Stayed for others. Stayed for the family name. Stayed for the sake of appearances. But all of it only hurt me deeper. I don¡¯t want to make the same mistakes just because of longing or guilt. I know, in the end, I have to choose myself first. I wiped the tears with the back of my hand, then slowly sat at the edge of the sofa. Morning air crept in through the slightly open window, carrying the scent of coffee from downstairs. Usually, I would wee that smell with excitement, but today¡­ everything felt empty. I looked around Liliana¡¯s apartment. The quiet living room. Books scattered on the table. A thin nket still neatly folded on the arm of the sofa. This ce felt unfamiliar, but for now, safe enough for me to hide from the world. Liliana hadn¡¯t asked many questionsst night. She just looked at me with understanding eyes and held me without a word. Sometimes, that¡¯s more than enough. I took a deep breath. My phone kept buzzing asionally on the table. Who knew how many messages were waiting, but I didn¡¯t open a single one. I didn¡¯t want to read apologies, or sweet promises, or begging words that always came toote. I¡¯ve been the safe harbor after every storm too many times, thest resort too often. I thought again about the question that echoed in my head all night: ¡°Are you sure you want to leave?¡± Yes, I¡¯m sure. I don¡¯t want to live in fear anymore. I don¡¯t want to keep feeling small in a love that never healed. I want my life back. Even if I have to start from nothing. Even if it means losing many things. Including Noah. And maybe¡­ maybe one day, when I¡¯m strong enough, I¡¯ll go see him. I¡¯ll exin everything. But not now. Right now, I need to 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 59 save myself first. 50% My hand reached for the small notebook in my bag. I¡¯ve had this book since the beginning of my marriage-a ce where I wrote down all the feelings I couldn¡¯t say out loud. I flipped to a nk page and began to write: ¡°Today, I choose myself. Not because I¡¯m selfish. But because I¡¯m tired of always giving in. I want to know what it feels like to be happy¡­ without wounds behind my smile.¡± My hand paused. I closed the book gently. This is a new beginning, isn¡¯t it? Maybe the first step hurts, but I believe, one day, I¡¯ll be grateful I dared to take it. The sound of the apartment door opening pulled me out of my thoughts. I lifted my head. Liliana appeared with a tired smile, carrying two stic bags from the supermarket. ¡°I¡¯m home,¡± she said softly. I gave a faint smile. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± She just shrugged and headed into the kitchen. I followed, offering to help, but she refused. ¡°You rest. I¡¯m used to this,¡± she said while putting vegetables and snacks into the fridge. I sat back down at the dining table, watching Liliana¡¯s back as she tidied her groceries. I felt guilty. Staying in her apartment, bringing all this burden with me, quietly carrying wounds she knew about but never questioned. ¡°Liliana,¡± I said softly. She turned. ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°I might go home today.¡± Liliana paused for a moment. ¡°Why? Are you ufortable here?¡± I quickly shook my head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯m actuallyfortable. But I can¡¯t stay here forever. Liam can find me anytime he wants, and I don¡¯t want to see him again.¡± She looked at me for a while, then smiled. ¡°If that¡¯s what you¡¯re morefortable with, Sienna. I won¡¯t stop you. I understand.¡± I nodded slowly. Liliana has always been like that-never asking too many questions, but always there when I need her. She never judges my choices. Not like the people who only see from the outside. That night, I turned on the bedroommp, dimly lighting the room. I sat in the chair near the window, watching the city that never sleeps. Headlights of vehicles shing past on the roads. The faint sounds of city life still humming. But here, behind the ss¡­ I felt safe. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 59 50% I opened the window slightly. The night air drifted in slowly, bringing a sense of calm. You once loved me, Liam. But you also let me feel unworthy for far too long. Now it¡¯s my turn¡­ to love myself. I know that in a love like that¡­ I¡¯ll never feel like I¡¯m not enough. The night crept on, wrapping the city in a silence that slowly became familiar. I remained seated by the window, letting the night breeze touch my cheek. Its sound was soft, like a whisper from nature, soothing me. There was no rush, no pressure to be strong or to smile. I picked up a notebook I hadn¡¯t touched in ages. On the first page, my name was still written-Sienna-in ink that had begun to fade. Below it, a small quote I had written years ago: ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you deserve happiness too.¡± I smiled faintly. That quote felt both foreign and familiar. I had once written it to cheer myself up. But time and pain had made me forget. Now, I wanted to write it again-with new ink, with a new heart. Slowly, I began to write. Not about him, not about the wounds, but about hope. About who I was before all of this happened. About the girl who once had dreams, who onceughed at little things, who never felt the need to ask permission to feel enough. I wrote about mornings I wanted to celebrate with coffee and jazz music. About afternoons I wanted to spend reading in the park. About nights no longer filled with silent crying behind the bathroom door. Because my life is no longer about surviving just to be loved by someone else. It¡¯s about choosing to love myself¡ªwholly, 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 60 60 50% 60 Liam¡¯s POV The office was silent, only the ticking of the clockpeting with the sound of my own heartbeat. The sunlight, which should¡¯ve felt warm, only added another weight on my back-burning my skin and tightening my chest. I sat in my work chair, documents open on theptop screen, but the words no longer registered. I stared without truly seeing. I¡¯d been here for two hours. Two hours sitting in silence, doing nothing. Since when did I be like this? My hand clenched on the table. It felt like there was a gaping hole in my chest-empty but full of pressure that couldn¡¯t be exined. I tried to take a deep breath, but my chest was too tight. As if each inhale only filled half my lungs, the rest blocked by something invisible-regret, perhaps. My thoughts went back to that night. The night Sienna looked at me-not with anger, but with a terrifying calmness. Like someone who had finally stopped hoping. It wasn¡¯t a look of hate. Nor disappointment. It was¡­ eptance. And for some reason I couldn¡¯t understand, that hurt even more. I know I¡¯mte. God, I know. All the things I thought I could postpone are now mocking me,ughing loudly in my head. Promises I never said, apologies I never thought were important, and the habit of putting herst in my life-they all came back to p me this morning. Sienna once said, ¡°I don¡¯t need you to be perfect. I just want to know that I¡¯m enough.¡± 1 I¡­ said nothing. I didn¡¯t answer. Because at that time, I was too busy being important to everyone else.1 Everyone but her. Not to the only person who ever saw me unconditionally. I lowered my head, pressing my forehead into my fingers tangled in my hair. There was a trembling in my chest-between the urge to cry and the urge to punch the wall until everything stopped hurting. But I did neither. I just stayed still. Her image still flooded my mind. The way sheughed softly when she steeped her tea too long. How she furrowed her brows when staring at her phone, then grumbled about a small typo in a photo caption. Trivial things I once thought were meaningless now haunted the empty space in this room like ghosts. I miss her. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 60 50% More than that, I¡¯m angry at myself for not missing her sooner. Theptop screen was still glowing, disying the tender document I should¡¯ve studied since morning. But the letters blurred in my vision. My focus had narrowed to one thing: I had lost someone¡­ who might never return. Emily knocked before entering. She didn¡¯t wait for my response. She just appeared in the doorway with a face I knew too well- confused, annoyed, but trying to stay calm. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten lunch,¡± she said. Her voice was t, neutral. Too neutral. I only nodded. ¡°Not hungry.¡± She sighed, folding her arms. ¡°Are you going to keep being like this, Liam?¡± I lifted my head and looked into her eyes. But I didn¡¯t answer. Because I didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°It¡¯s been a week you¡¯ve been like this. Silent. Cold. Like¡­ your body¡¯s here but your mind¡¯s somewhere else.¡± Her voice cracked slightly at the end. ¡°I¡¯m not stupid, Liam. I know this is about Sienna.¡± I bit my lower lip, trying to stop any reaction from spilling out of my mouth. That name-Sienna-hung in the air like smoke from a fire, stinging my eyes. I took a breath, lowered my gaze, and leaned back into the sofa. ¡°It¡¯s not just about Sienna,¡± I finally said, softly. ¡°It¡¯s about me. About us. About everything we never really talked about.¡± Emily stared at me for a long time. Her eyes narrowed, but not out of anger-more like she was trying to understand, or maybe read the meaning behind my murky words. ¡°We¡¯ve talked about a lot, Liam. We even tried starting over, remember?¡± I nodded. ¡°Yes. We tried. But I¡¯m not sure my heart truly tried.¡± That sentence was like a sledgehammer mming into the thin wall between us. Emily blinked slowly, then let out a long sigh. She stepped into the room, closed the door, and sat across from me. ¡°So what are you trying to say now? That this is all a mistake? That you want to give up?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I answered honestly. ¡°All I know is¡­ every day I wake up feeling empty. And every night I go to sleep hoping tomorrow will be different, but it never is.¡± 2 Emily lowered her head. Her jaw tightened. Her hands clenched on herp. But when she spoke, her voice was soft. Too soft. ¡°Then who am I to you now, Liam? Just a stopover?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that¡­¡± ¡°But you don¡¯t even look at me anymore. You don¡¯t talk. Don¡¯t touch. Don¡¯t share. Do you even realize how long it¡¯s been since we genuinelyughed together?¡± Her eyes glistened. ¡°Do you realize how lonely I feel next to you?¡± My heart felt pulled in two directions. Guilt and confusion, crashing into each other. I wanted to say I still cared. But was that true? Or was I just afraid of losing something that once meant something, even if it felt different now? ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said softly. ¡°I know this isn¡¯t your fault. And I know¡­ you deserve more than this.¡± 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 60 50% Emily chuckled quietly, bitterly. ¡°I don¡¯t need an apology, Liam. I need certainty. I need to know if you¡¯re still willing to fight for this or not.¡± I went silent. Because I couldn¡¯t promise something I wasn¡¯t sure of. Then her voice came again. Quiet, but firm. ¡°If you still love her¡­ at least be honest with me.¡± The name stabbed me. Sienna. Ever since she returned, everything seemed to change. I changed. I couldn¡¯t even lie to myself anymore. Her presence touched a part of me that had long been dead. But along with it, old wounds reopened. ¡°I¡¯m just tired,¡± I finally answered. The safest answer. The most cowardly. Emily stepped closer, standing in front of me. ¡°Liam¡­ I love you. But I¡¯m not made of stone. I can feel it when you pull away. I can tell when your eyes go nk every time you look at me. I know you¡¯re trying to stay because you think you have to, but¡­ I¡¯m not your home, am I?¡± Her words made my stomach turn. Guilt surged through my chest. But I stayed silent. ¡°Answer me.¡± Emily lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°You still love her, don¡¯t you?¡± I took a deep breath. And I didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Emily,¡± my voice cracked. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m feeling right now. I feel empty. I feel¡­ hollow every time Noah looks at me like I¡¯m a thief. Every night he calls out for his mother in his sleep. And me¡­ I just stand there, not knowing what to do.¡± GET IT N¡­ 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 61 61 50% 61 Emily gave a bitter smile. ¡°Liam, you¡¯re not empty. You¡¯re full. Full of wounds, full of regret. But you¡¯re not empty.¡± She looked down, then sat in the chair across from me. ¡°You know, I always believed that love could grow. That little by little, you¡¯d see me as something new, something safe. But I was Wrong.¡± 1 I wanted to deny it, wanted to tell her that she¡¯s a good person, that I loved her in my own way. But I knew it wasn¡¯t enough. I could see her eyes beginning to fill, her shoulders trembling as she fought back tears. ¡°I know you¡¯ve been trying, Liam. I know you want to give your best for Noah, for all of this. But you¡¯re hurting yourself- and me ¡ª every time you pretend we can be like we were. When in fact, we never had a ¡®before¡¯ to begin with.¡± I buried my face in my hands, rubbing my temples that now felt heavy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Emily stood up at once. ¡°Don¡¯t say sorry. This isn¡¯t about right or wrong. This is about¡­ stopping ourselves from trying to nt flowers in soil that¡¯s already barren.¡± 1 Silence hung between us. Heavy. Painful. Emily walked toward the window, turning her back to me. ¡°I¡¯m going out of town for work, and I might stay there a few days. So we both can think more clearly. If one day you find an answer, I¡¯ll be here to listen. But I won¡¯t be a shadow in the corner of your heart anymore. I deserve a love that¡¯s whole, not the leftover pieces of an old one.¡± 1 The sound of her footsteps on the floor was like a sledgehammer smashing the wall I¡¯d long kept up. When the door shut behind her, silence took over again. I sat frozen at my desk. My vision blurred. It felt like I had just lost something I never truly had. 1 I lowered my head, staring at the desk that now felt like the wreckage of the life I had tried so hard to preserve. My fingers clutched the edge of the desk, as if letting go would make me copsepletely. But truthfully¡­ I already had. Emily was right. She was always right. All this time, I had treated her like a bandage. Like someone who could calm the storm inside me, when I never really opened the door. I alwayspared, always saw shadows of the past-whether it was about Eva, or about all the unresolved pieces of my life. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 61 50% I knew how much she loved me. But I also knew how exhausted she was from waiting-waiting for me to heal, to choose her, to be fully present not just in body¡­ but in heart. And now she¡¯s gone. Not because she didn¡¯t love me anymore, but because she loved herself enough to no longer stay in uncertainty. My gaze fell on a small photo in the corner of the desk. A picture of Emily and me during ourst beach trip, before everything turned nd. Her smile was wide, her eyes bright. At the time, I thought I was happy. But I was wrong. The only one happy¡­ was the face in the photo. Not the real me. I pushed back my chair, stood up, and walked toward the window Emily had just left. Her scent still lingered in the air. Warm and sweet, like her. Outside, the sky was starting to fade-a twilight stripped of color, like me. 1 ¡°I deserve a love that¡¯s whole¡­¡± Her words echoed in my head, chipping away at my defenses. I nodded slowly, though no one was there to see it. Yes, she deserves it. And maybe, for the first time, I had to admit that I didn¡¯t. Not because I couldn¡¯t love. But because I never truly learned how. 1 I was too busy embracing the past. Too busy regretting. Too afraid of losing, that I didn¡¯t even notice-what I was holding on to was already slipping away, one by one. Emily was just thest. But strangely, deep within this emptiness, there was a faint whisper telling me this could be the beginning. Maybe not to win Emily back, but to learn how to be someone who is worthy of loving¡­ and being loved. That night, I stood in front of Noah¡¯s bookshelf. A small shelf in the corner of his room filled with fairy tale books and toys he once adored. There was a red robot there, one of its arms broken. I picked it up, staring at it for a long time. That robot was a gift from Sienna. Noah never forgot. I lowered my head, clutching the robot in my hand. There was a sharp ache that tightened in my chest. Emily was right¨CI was full of wounds. And those wounds hadn¡¯t healed. But now I had to learn to face the truth: love can¡¯t be forced, and sometimes letting go is the highest form of love. 1 The sound of the door opening broke my thoughts. When I turned, Noah stood at the doorway with sleepy eyes and a gloomy face. His favorite dinosaur plushie was clutched tightly in his arms. ¡°Daddy¡­ I¡¯m sleepy,¡± he said softly. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% 61 I got up, walked over to him, and lifted his small body into my arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around my neck, resting his body against my chest. I could feel his slow, warm breaths-like a gentle whisper that soothed yet struck my heart with guilt I couldn¡¯t shake. Iid him on the bed, pulling the soft nket up to his chest. Beside him, I sat down and picked up one of the storybooks from the small table next to the bed. ¡°Which story do you want tonight?¡± I asked. Noah pointed to the book with a red dragon on the cover. ¡°This one¡­ about the prince and the dragon.¡± I opened to the first page and began to read. My voice tried to sound cheerful, though my heart was far from calm. I nced at him -his eyes were still open. Instead of sleepy, his gaze was empty, staring at the ceiling. ¡°Daddy¡­¡± he called softly, interrupting my reading. ¡°Hm?¡± I murmured as I stroked his hair. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Mommying home? I miss her¡­¡± he said, his eyes welling up with tears. ¡°Is Mommy mad at me?¡± My breath caught in my throat. The book in my hands suddenly felt heavy, like I couldn¡¯t hold it any longer. I looked at him, but I didn¡¯t know what to say. No. Mommy isn¡¯t angry. Mommy is just¡­ hurting. But how could I exin that to a child his age? 1 I tried to smile, though my voice was hoarse as I said, ¡°Mommy¡¯s not angry, sweetheart¡­¡± ¡°But why won¡¯t Mommye home? If I promise to be a good boy, she¡¯lle back, right?¡± My chest tightened. I could only nod slowly and pull him into my arms. Noah rested his head on my chest, quietly sobbing. I stared at the ceiling, biting my lip to hold back my emotions. I had already lost Sienna. But I couldn¡¯t lose Noah too. I held my son tightly, silently embracing the growing guilt inside me, not knowing when-or if-it would ever fade. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 62 62 50% 62 Liam¡¯s POV That morning, the air felt colder than usual-either because I hadn¡¯t slept well the night before, or there was something heavy hanging in the air. I straightened my tie while staring at the reflection of my face in the mirror. Behind me, I heard Noah¡¯s little voice calling out, asking for help putting on his shoes. I turned around and saw Noah sitting on the floor, his small shoes scattered beside him. His hair was still messy, and he rubbed his eyes as he yawned. ¡°Daddy, help,¡± he asked, his voice hoarse like any just-awoken child. I walked over and knelt in front of him. ¡°Okay, but you have to sit still, alright?¡± Noah nodded quickly, his eyes still heavy with sleep. I picked up the pair of navy-blue shoes, held his tiny foot, and began putting them on one by one. ¡°Daddy, are you going to work again?¡± he asked softly, looking up at me with clear eyes that made me feel guilty. I paused. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. Daddy has to work.¡± He looked down, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. ¡°Mommy¡¯s not here, and you¡¯re always working¡­¡± I took a deep breath. I knew I hadn¡¯t exined enough to him¡ªor maybe I just wasn¡¯t ready to exin at all. How could I give answers to a child that I didn¡¯t even have for myself? ¡°I promise, tonight we¡¯ll eat ice cream together, okay? I¡¯lle home early,¡± I said, trying to change the subject. His eyes lit up. ¡°Pinky promise?¡± I gave a small smile and held up my pinky. ¡°Pinky promise.¡± We linked fingers, and then heughed softly and hugged me tightly. His hug made me want to freeze time, just for a moment, so the world wouldn¡¯t feel so heavy. After helping Noah stand and straightening the cor of his shirt, I went back to the mirror. The tie I¡¯d straightened earlier suddenly felt too tight around my neck. I loosened it slightly, trying to breathe easier. I looked at our reflection-me with a weary face, and Noah standing beside me holding his stuffed toy. The emptiness in the room was palpable. Sienna used to be the one who fixed Noah¡¯s hair, double-checked his lunchbox, reminded me not to forget the important folder. Now, there were no light footsteps in the hallway, no soft perfume scent drifting from the closet, no gentle voice calling my name in the morning. ¡°What are you going to do at school today, Noah?¡± I asked while grabbing my jacket. 11:19 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% 62 ¡°I¡¯m gonna draw¡­ a house. Teacher said it¡¯s going on the wall in our ssroom.¡± I smiled faintly. ¡°A house, huh? Draw the house you like the most.¡± He nodded. ¡°But Mommy has to be in it.¡± My chest tightened. I could only stare at him, then gently stroked his head. ¡°Yes, Mommy will definitely be in it.¡± After making sure everything was ready, I walked out of the bedroom. In the living room, I saw Emily standing upright, wearing a beige long coat, arge suitcase beside her. Her makeup was wless as always, but this time¡­ there was something different in her eyes. I paused, staring at the suitcase. ¡°Are you leaving now?¡± I asked, trying to sound casual. Emily gave a short nod. ¡°My manager is picking me up. I¡¯m heading straight to the shoot location.¡± I nodded and stepped closer, reaching for the suitcase handle. ¡°I¡¯ll take you. I¡¯ll drop Noah off at school too.¡± Emily looked surprised, but before she could answer, Noah came up from behind and grabbed her hand. ¡°Come on, Auntie Emily. Let¡¯s go!¡± he said cheerfully. Emily was silent for a moment. I could see a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, but in the end, she simply gave a small nod. ¡°Alright.¡± We went down together. I loaded the suitcase into the car trunk and made sure Noah was buckled up in the back seat. Emily sat quietly in the front, staring out the window without a word. The car moved in silence. Only the soft sound of the radio and Noah¡¯s asional murmur broke the stillness. When we arrived at the school, Noah kissed both my cheek and Emily¡¯s before running in with his little backpack. ¡°I love you both!¡± he said before disappearing behind the gate. His smile was so pure, and for some reason, it felt painful that morning. Emily and I stood silently for a moment, watching Noah¡¯s small figure get farther away. Emily took a breath. ¡°You can go to the office now, Liam. My manager will pick me up here.¡± I turned slowly to her. ¡°No, I¡¯ll take you. No arguments, Emily.¡± She turned her face away, as if she wanted to object, but then sighed and got back into the car without another word. As we sat together again, the car moved along a road that felt longer than usual. I didn¡¯t know what I really wanted to say, but the atmosphere was too full of things left unsaid. The sound of tires on asphalt was the only thythm apanying us that morning. Emily stared straight ahead, but I caught a glimpse of exhaustion on her face-not just physically, but emotionally. She was leaving. Maybe not just for a few days. Maybe for good. I wasn¡¯t really ready for that. But wasn¡¯t I the one who let it all get this far? 11:20 AM 62 Tue 2 Sep 50% The car kept moving in silence, taking us to different destinations. Though we sat side by side, it felt like we¡¯d never been further apart. *** The journey to the photo shoot location took almost two hours. Inside the car, Emily and I hardly spoke. The silence wasn¡¯t due to anger or coldness, but more because there were no more words that could bridge everything that was left unsaid between us. Each of us was trapped in our own thoughts. The car continued to drive down a gradually emptier road. Outside the window, the scenery changed quickly-rice fields, hills, and then small buildings that were bing rarer. The morning air still left a thinyer of dew on the window. I leaned my head back, trying to divert my attention from the awkwardness that hung between us. asionally, I nced over at Emily. She sat upright, staring straight ahead, her face expressionless. But I knew, there was a small storm brewing within her. Just like me. There were so many things I wanted to say, wanted to ask, but everything seemed stuck in my throat. I didn¡¯t know when our rtionship had turned into something so cautious. Maybe it was when I decided to go back to Evan. Or maybe even before that. ¡°Still far?¡± she suddenly asked, her voice soft enough to break the silence. ¡°About thirty minutes,¡± I answered, ncing at the GPS on the dashboard. ¡°The road¡¯s a bit narrow, so we can¡¯t go too fast.¡± ¡°Hm.¡± She fell silent again, then took a deep breath. ¡°The weather¡¯s nice, though.¡± I nodded, trying to smile. ¡°Yeah. I hope it doesn¡¯t rain during the outdoor session.¡± At least we were talking again. Even if it was just small talk, it was better than being silent. The car passed an uphill road, and we started entering a small mountainous area. Trees lined both sides, forming a green corridor that felt cool. A thin mist began to fall, adding to the calm yet slightly mncholic atmosphere. ¡°I had a strange dreamst night,¡± Emily suddenly said. I turned to look at her. ¡°What dream?¡± She hesitated for a moment before answering. ¡°I dreamt I was standing alone on a big stage. But the lights were off. There were no spectators. I¡­ was just standing there, waiting for something that never came.¡± I didn¡¯t respond right away. The dream sounded more like a symbol of what she was really feeling. ¡°Are you afraid of being alone?¡± I asked quietly. GET IT N 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 63 63 50% 63 Liam¡¯s POV Emily didn¡¯t answer, just stared out the window. But the way she bit her lower lip and intertwined her fingers told me¡­ the answer was yes I hated the fact that I might be one of the reasons she felt that way. As the car entered the location area, the atmosphere started to feel different. The ce was quite busy. Several production tents stood along a wide field that had been set up with various props for the photo shoot. Models walked back and forth, some getting their makeup done, others discussing with the photographers. As soon as we got out of the car, several faces turned towards Emily and quickly approached her. Some of them were young models who seemed to know Emily well. ¡°Emily! Wow, it¡¯s so good to see you again! You¡¯re looking even more beautiful.¡± ¡°Emily, you still look so young, you and Liam look perfect together,¡± one of them said while ncing at me. ¡°You make a perfect couple, right?¡± I just gave a small smile in response to theirments, while Emily chuckled softly, sounding a little awkward. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll join you all in a bit.¡± The models left us and ran toward their respective teams. Emily took a deep breath, then turned to me. ¡°Thanks, Liam. For bringing me here.¡± I nodded, looking at her face, which seemed strong, though her eyes were a little red. ¡°Take your time, Emily. Do what you really want to do. I¡­ will think about everything.¡± She fell silent. The wind blowing through her hair made her silhouette appear fragile, though she tried to remain strong in front of me. Emily then lowered her head briefly before stepping closer and giving me a gentle hug. Her body felt cold, but her embrace contained sincerity that I might never have fully appreciated before. ¡°I¡¯ll wait,¡± she said in a hoarse voice. ¡°Not because I have no other choice, but because I want to wait for you, until you truly know where your heart wants to go home.¡± I couldn¡¯t answer immediately. Her hug felt like a goodbye that had been dyed, but also like a hope that hadn¡¯t faded. I raised my hand, returned her hug for a moment before slowly letting go. ¡°Take care!¡± I said softly. She nodded, then grabbed her suitcase and walked toward her team waiting near the tent I stood there, watching her back grow smaller. The faces around her greeted her warmly, cameras began to be prepared, and the world Emily came from sucked her back into it. 11.20 AM The 2 sep 63 50% But I was still standing outside that world. The car felt empty when I got back in and sat behind the wheel. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, but my mind was in turmoil. I couldn¡¯t ignore everything that had happened. My feelings were tooplicated to be exined by simple words. Emily was right. Maybe she wasn¡¯t my ce to return to, but she was someone who always kept the door open, hoping I would truly choose her, not just because of the circumstances. Sienna¡­ That name still felt heavy in my chest. Herst look, her cold words that carried the weight of old wounds that hadn¡¯t healed. I had hurt her too deeply. And maybe I had lost my chance. I took a deep breath and stared at the road ahead. I felt like I had to be honest, not with anyone else, but with myself. Because how could I choose the right path if I hadn¡¯t truly been brave enough to look into my own heart? Slowly, I pulled my phone from my jacket pocket. My thumb hesitated for a moment, but eventually, I pressed the name that was so familiar on my contact list. Sienna. My heart raced just from seeing her name on the screen. I took a deep breath, hoping there would be a miracle this time. I pressed the phone to my ear. The dial tone rang. Once¡­ twice¡­ three times¡­ Just like before, there was no answer. The tone stopped. The call was redirected to voicemail. I lowered the phone from my ear, staring at the screen that had gone dark again. Empty. Just like how I felt inside. Sienna truly didn¡¯t want to speak with me. Not even once since that day. I lowered my head, gripping my phone tightly. Maybe I did deserve to be ignored. But foolishly, I still hoped she would pick up-just once. I tried to hold back the tightening breath in my chest. In this quiet parking lot, only the sound of the wind and my own heartbeat echoed loudly. Just seconds ago, I had been so sure I¡¯d reach her-or at least hear her voice. But as usual, that hope fell and shattered into pieces. My hand trembled slightly as I set the phone down on the dashboard. How many times had I tried? Five? Six? I didn¡¯t know anymore. Every missed call felt like a p in the face, a cruel reminder-Sienna didn¡¯t want me in her life anymore. But¡­ why is it so hard to let go? 1 I closed my eyes. Her face appeared clearly in my mind, especially thest look she gave me before she left. There was pain there. Not just hers, but mine too. The difference was-she chose to walk away. While I¡­ I stayed. Waiting. I forced myself out of the car. The evening air greeted me with a biting chill. But it was nothingpared to the cold that had frozen my heart. I walked slowly toward the small park across the street. The ce was exactly as it had been thest time we sat there, sharing 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 63 50% it was all still there. But Sienna wasn¡¯t. I sat down slowly, staring nkly ahead. The sun was beginning to set, leaving behind a sky painted with aching shades of orange. I pulled my wallet from the pocket of my jacket and opened the smallpartment that held a tiny photo of us. A photo taken spontaneously, when we bothughed after dropping our ice creams at the exact same time. A faint smile formed on my lips. Isn¡¯t it strange-howughter and pain often walk side by side? ¡°Where are you now, Sienna?¡± I whispered. ¡°Are you happy¡­ without me?¡± The question hung in the air, never to be answered. I knew-maybe this was the time to give up. To let go. But what if my heart was still bound too tightly? What if every breath I took still whispered her name, even in silence? I closed my eyes again. Just for a moment, let me stay here. In the ce where our memories lived, Where I no longer had to hide my longing. Because even if the world demanded I move on, Part of my heart was still left behind, In the ce where Sienna once held me in her warm embrace. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 64 64 64 Sienna¡¯s POV It¡¯s been a week since I left the city. 50% A week since thest time I saw Noah and Liam. I woke up with a heavy head, as if I¡¯d been wrapped all night in an invisible weight. The morning sunlight slipped in through the curtains of this small apartment, located not far from the shoreline. The sound of the waves, which used to be soothing, now felt more like a roar breaking my concentration. I sat at the edge of the bed, looking around. Silence. No Noah¡¯sughter. No soft knocks on my bedroom door asking me to read a story. No Liam standing awkwardly, words caught on his lips. There¡¯s only me, and this emptiness that refuses to leave. I pulled my knees to my chest, letting the crumpled nket wrap around me like a shield. Maybe this is what people mean when they say ¡°a silence that¡¯s too loud.¡± Because even though there¡¯s no sound at all, my head is full of echoes-Noah¡¯sughter, Liam¡¯s heavy footsteps down the hallway, the soft sound of a door closing behind me the moment I decided to leave. My eyes stared nkly at the white wall ahead. There¡¯s a small crack near the ceiling, forming an irregr line. Strangely, I traced the pattern of that crack with my gaze, as if searching for a hidden meaning. But all I found was the tightening weight in my chest. On the small table beside the bed, my phoney still. Its ck screen reflected a faint hint of morning light. I knew that if I touched it, there would be a list of missed calls. The same name. Different times. Like someone knocking on a door, but I kept hiding in the corner of the room. Iy my head back on the pillow, closing my eyes. But shutting them only made their faces appear more clearly. Noah-with his slightly messy hair and eyes full of trust. Liam-with a gaze carrying far too many unspoken things. I tried to steady my breathing, but my chest felt heavy, as if something was pressing from within. I wanted to stop thinking about them, but the thoughts were like wavesing again, and again, crashing against the shore of my consciousness until all that¡¯s left is a longing with no ce to return to. At the foot of the bed, my bag stilly exactly as it had when I first arrived. I hadn¡¯t fully unpacked. Maybe because I never truly intended to settle here. Or maybe because I was afraid that unpacking would mean admitting I had taken a step I couldn¡¯t undo. I curled up tighter under the nket. From the window, the morning light grew brighter, but it felt foreign. The sunlight here is different from the one in the city. It¡¯s warmer, yet somehow, its warmth can¡¯t prate the cold lingering inside me. Time passed slowly. Seconds stretched long. I counted them unconsciously, like a child waiting for something uncertain. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 64 50% Outside, the sound of waves came again-rhythmic, unending. I used to find that soundforting. Now, it feels like a reminder that the world keeps going, without waiting for anyone. I hugged my pillow to my chest, burying my face in it. The scent of the fabric had mixed with a faint trace of salt, a sign that I was truly far from the ce I once called home. Maybe I could stay here until everything felt lighter. Or maybe I was just lying to myself-hoping time would heal me, when all I was doing was hiding. And for now¡­ hiding was the only thing I could do. I nced at theptop still glowing on the small table in the corner of the room. My document was still open, the cursor blinking slowly at the end of thest paragraph. I had fallen asleep barely half an hour ago on the sofa, after staring nkly at words that felt empty of life. My writing could still move forward, yes. The words could still flow. But my heart wasn¡¯t moving with them. Every paragraph felt like a formal attachment, not the outpouring it used to be. I knew my editor might still like it. But I knew it wasn¡¯t me. With slow steps, I walked to the small kitchen and took two slices of bread, spreading them with strawberry jam. I also made a cup of ck coffee without sugar, the bitterness feeling far more honest than my life right now. I sat on the small balcony, gazing at the vast ocean. The morning breeze yed with my tangled hair I hadn¡¯t bothered to fix. This apartment was beautiful-far from the city¡¯s noise, far from memories, far from everything that hurt. But also¡­ far from everything that made me feel alive. Something unsettled me. Something I couldn¡¯t exin, even after a full week of trying to silence it with busyness, with writing, with walking on the sand as the sun almost set. Noah. The image of his face kept haunting me. Hisughter, the way he called me ¡°Mommy¡± with such hope, and then¡­ the disappointment in his eyes that night. I tried so hard to believe that leaving was the right decision. That I needed space to heal, to love myself without being constantly scratched by old wounds. But what if those wounds had already be part of my breath? I sipped my coffee slowly, letting the bitterness linger on my tongue. Maybe this was punishment. For staying too long in a rtionship that only made me shrink. For once loving someone who never truly opened the door for me. Since that night, his face had never truly left my mind. That small figure sitting in the corner of the sofa, hugging his knees, looking at me with questioning eyes. I could feel the fear in his gaze, as if he knew something would change, but didn¡¯t understand why. I wanted to exin. I wanted to string together words gentle enough to make him understand that this wasn¡¯t his fault. But my lips stayed shut that day. I chose silence, because I knew every sentence would be another knife stabbing my own heart. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 64 50% I wondered-did he look for me when he woke up? Did he still wait for me toe into his room at night, to read him stories until his eyes closed? Or¡­ had he started to forget my voice? The thought made my chest tighten. There was a strange fear I had never felt before: the fear of being forgotten by someone who once loved me unconditionally. I took another sip of coffee, though it had gone cold. Small memories began to surface, rushing in like relentless waves that wouldn¡¯t let me breathe. Noah¡¯sughter when I carried him at the park, his little hand always searching for mine when crossing the street, even the way he slipped a toy dinosaur into my bag, saying, ¡°So Mommy won¡¯t be alone.¡± GET IT N¡­ 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 65 65 50% 65 Sienna¡¯s POV I rubbed my face, trying to stop the flood. But the more I resisted, the clearer the details became. Maybe others would say I was just being too emotional. That I should be able to distinguish between affection and attachment. But who could measure that? Who could decide when love has gone too deep to let go? Since a week ago, I¡¯d been trying to write about these feelings-about a loss not caused by death, but by a distance I created myself. Every time I started, my words stalled halfway through. Maybe because I knew that if I finished, it would mean admitting I had truly left. A seagull glided across the sky, its wings spread wide. I imagined Noah, maybe running through the yard, chasing something he could never quite catch. And I¡­ I was that something. A small voice inside asked: was I too cruel to him? But at the same time, there was a part of me begging not to go back. Not because I didn¡¯t love him, but because I was afraid I¡¯d hurt him even more if I stayed. Liam. The name passed through my mind like a shadow refusing to fade. I remembered our meeting at the caf¨¦, his halting words, his plea for me toe back. A part of me almost caved then-the part that still wanted to believe love could be repaired. 1 But I also remembered how it felt, after years of trying to enter Liam¡¯s world and never being fully weed. I remembered how he chose silence when he should have defended me. I remembered standing alone when all I wanted was for him to stand beside
I let out a long breath. Maybe I was tired, but I was also stubborn. I didn¡¯t want to go back just because Liam had suddenly realized what he¡¯d lost. Love built out of guilt isn¡¯t whole love. I needed more than regret. Then why did I still feel this way? 1 Why couldn¡¯t I feel truly relieved after leaving? My eyes returned to my still-litptop. Maybe I should finish the manuscript. Maybe if I buried myself in deadlines and fiction, I could stop thinking about real life. But before I could take that step, my phone buzzed softly. I turned my head. An iing call. From Liam. 1:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% 65 My heart pounded, but I didn¡¯t pick it up right away. I just stared at the glowing screen, his name disyed clearly. My hand trembled slightly until the call stopped. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff-one step could send me falling again, but standing still wouldn¡¯t save me either. I closed my phone slowly and set it on the table. I wasn¡¯t ready to answer. Maybe I never would be. I looked out at the calm sea in front of me, as if searching for answers in the rippling waves. I missed my child. I missed the version of myself I used to be. But I also knew I could no longer be someone who lived only on the scraps of another person¡¯s attention. From a distance, I stared at theptop screen still glowing. The words there seemed to scream to be finished, but my mind was too crowded with things that couldn¡¯t be put into sentences. It felt like a tangled thread-the more I pulled, the more lost the ends became. I left my half-empty coffee cup and stood from the balcony chair. My body felt heavy, but a small whisper in my head pushed me to move. Maybe I really did need to go out for a while. To touch the real world, not just stay cooped up in a small room with an unsettled mind. I took myptop and slipped it into my tote bag, then put on a light cardigan against the morning breeze. My flip-flops slid easily onto my feet. I stepped out of the apartment toward the narrow path that led to the beach. The sky was still a pale blue. The sun wasn¡¯t too harsh yet, leaving only a faint warmth along the horizon. The salty, humid air from the sea greeted me like an old embrace I didn¡¯t realize I¡¯d been missing. My steps were slow as I descended the stone stairs toward the stretch of soft sand. The waves rolled gently, quiet-as if they knew I hadn¡¯te to celebrate, but to soothe a trembling heart. I walked along the shoreline, letting the sand slip between my toes. In my hand, the bag with myptop swayed lightly. I didn¡¯t yet know where I would sit, but I knew I wanted to write somewhere different, in a ce where the atmosphere might heal me, even just a little. A few people were jogging, a young couple walked hand in hand, and a small dog ran after a ball its owner had thrown. The world kept moving forward-unconcerned whether my heart was breaking, unconcerned whether I was trying to escape a wound. Strangely, thatforted me. Then, suddenly, my steps halted. In the distance, between the line of rocks and the dampening edge of the shore, I saw a figure I knew all too well. Liam. He stood with his back to the sun, the morning light framing his body like the silhouette of a memory. His hands were tucked into his pockets, his shoulders tense-not with anger, but like someone holding a heavy weight in his chest. My eyes didn¡¯t blink. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 65 50% Liam¡¯s gaze swept the horizon, then slowly shifted toward me. For a fraction of a second, the world seemed to stop moving. There was sorrow in his eyes. Not just hurt¡­ but deep regret. I should have turned away. I should have spun around and gone back to the apartment, pretending I¡¯d never seen him. But my feet were rooted in the sand, as if the earth itself refused to let me go. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 66 66 50% 66 Sienna¡¯s POV My steps hadn¡¯t gone far before I saw Liam¡¯s body moving toward me-quickly. I froze for a moment, but as soon as I realized, instinct told me to turn away. I wasn¡¯t ready for this. Not here. Not now. The sand beneath my feet felt heavy, as if pulling at my stride to slow me down, and before I could truly get away, Liam¡¯s fingers had already caught my arm. The touch wasn¡¯t rough, but firm enough to make me stop. ¡°Sienna¡­¡± his voice was slightly breathless, as though he had just chased after something vitally important. ¡°How is it¡­ we meet here?¡± I didn¡¯t dare meet his eyes. I only looked at his fingers still gripping my arm-tight, yet hesitant. Like someone afraid to lose, but unsure how to hold on. ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± I finally replied, trying to sound calm even as something unnameable rumbled in my chest. ¡°Maybe the world is just that small.¡± Liam gave a quiet, bitterugh. ¡°Or maybe the universe is ying with us.¡± I slowly pulled my arm back, but he didn¡¯t let go yet. His gaze was intense, not from anger¡­ but from having so much to say, without knowing where to begin. ¡°I have to go,¡± I blurted, trying to reim control over my steps that had faltered earlier. ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± he said quickly, his tone more like a plea this time. ¡°We¡­ we may be over. But it feels strange for you to just walk away after meeting like this.¡± I looked up, meeting his eyes from this close distance. His face looked tired. There were slight shadows beneath his eyes, his jawline less sharp than usual, and his gaze¡­ God, that gaze made me want to fall apart. The sky above us felt far too wide, too empty to contain everything left unsaid. The salty air clung to my skin, mingling with the scent of the sea that should have been calming, but now only tightened my chest. The waves behind me kept rolling in, their rhythm constant, like the ticking of a clock reminding me that time moved forward, whether I wanted to stop here or not. I studied him in silence, trying to read whaty hidden behind his expression. There was something broken there-something he used to hide behind faint smiles or t remarks. Now, the cracks were clear, like shards of ss catching the morning light. Each glint pierced my eyes, but I couldn¡¯t look away. Liam stood too close. Only a few steps separated us, yet it felt like an unbridgeable chasm. I knew that if I decided to cross it, all the walls I had painstakingly built would crumble instantly. And yet, there was an unseen pull urging me forward, to close the gap, to feel again the warmth I had neglected for too long. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 66 50% The sea breeze blew, tossing my hair into disarray. I lowered my head slightly, trying to steady my breathing. Just a few weeks ago, I had left all this behind-left him, left Noah-with the belief that distance would give me answers. I wanted to believe that by leaving, I could save myself. But now, facing Liam, that belief wavered. All the reasons that had once seemed logical now felt like fragile excuses. I remembered thest night before I left. The sound of the door closing softly so as not to wake Noah. The dim glow from the living roommp. And Liam, sitting alone on the couch, saying nothing as I stepped out. Only an empty look, like someone watching a ship drift slowly from the dock without the courage to call it back. Now, his eyes were no longer empty. They were full-full of something I couldn¡¯t quite name. Regret? Longing? Guilt? Or some mixture of them all? I didn¡¯t know. All I knew was that seeing him like this fractured something inside me, and I hated to admit it. The sand beneath my feet felt cold, slightly damp. Each small movement sent an odd sensation through me, as if the earth itself was trying to remind me that I was still here, in the real world, and had to choose my next step. I could turn away, walk off, and let this be nothing more than a chance encounter-a tiny fragment in therger story I was writing. Or I could stay, let time soften the anger and pain, and perhaps find either a fitting ending¡­ or a new beginning. Another wave came, licking at my toes, leaving behind the salt that slowly dried on my skin. Somewhere beyond the rocks, the sun was rising higher, carrying a light that could not be avoided. And in that light, I stood with someone I had once loved so deeply, unsure whether what I felt now was the remnants of that love¡­ or merely its shadow. Between the sigh of the wind and the crash of the waves, only silence spoke. A silence too heavy to break, yet too fragile to leave untouched. My steps hadn¡¯t even moved much farther when I saw Liam¡¯s body approaching-fast. I froze for a moment, but when I came to my senses, instinct told me to turn around. I wasn¡¯t ready for this. Not here. Not now. The sand beneath my feet felt heavy, as if pulling my steps to slow down, and before I could truly get away, Liam¡¯s fingers had already caught my arm. The touch wasn¡¯t rough, but it was firm enough to make me stop. ¡°Sienna¡­¡± his voice was faint and breathless, as if he had just chased something very important. ¡°How¡­ how could we meet here?¡± I didn¡¯t dare look into his eyes. I only saw his fingers still gripping my arm. Firm, yet hesitant. Like someone afraid of losing something, but unsure how to hold on. ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± I finally replied, trying to sound calm even though there was an undefined storm in my chest. ¡°Maybe the world¡¯s just that small,¡± Liam let out a quiet, bitterugh. ¡°Or maybe the universe is ying tricks on us.¡± I slowly pulled my arm away, but he didn¡¯t let go yet. His gaze was intense-not out of anger, but because there was so much he wanted to say and didn¡¯t know where to begin. 11:20 AM Tue 2 Sep 3 50% ¡°I have to go,¡± I said quickly, trying to regain control over the unsteady steps I¡¯d taken earlier. ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± he said quickly, his tone sounding more like a plea this time. ¡°We¡­ we¡¯re already apart. But it feels strange for you to just walk away after we meet like this.¡± 66 GET IT N¡­ X 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 67 67 50% ¥³ 67 Sienna¡¯s POV I looked up, meeting his eyes at this close distance. His face looked tired. There were faint dark circles, his jaw not as sharp as usual, and his eyes¡­ God, those eyes made me want to crumble. The sky above us felt too vast, too empty to hold everything left unsaid. The salty air clung to my skin, mixing with the scent of the sea that should have been calming, but now only tightened my chest. The waves behind me kept rolling in, their rhythm constant, like the ticking of a clock reminding me that time moved on even when I wanted to pause for a moment. 1 I watched him in silence, trying to read everything hidden beneath his expression. There was something broken there, something he once hid so well behind faint smiles or t sentences. Now, the cracks were visible-like shards of ss reflecting the morning sun. Each reflection stung my eyes, yet I couldn¡¯t look away. Liam stood too close. Only a few steps separated us, yet the distance felt like an uncrossable chasm. I knew that if I decided to cross it, all the walls I had worked so hard to build would copse instantly. And yet, at the same time, there was an invisible pull calling me forward, to close that gap, to let myself feel the warmth I¡¯d been denying for far too long. The sea breeze blew, scattering strands of my hair. I lowered my head slightly, trying to steady my breath. Only weeks ago, I had left all this-left him, left Noah-with the conviction that distance would give me answers. I wanted to believe that by leaving, I could save myself. But now, standing before Liam, that conviction wavered. All the reasons that once felt logical now sounded like flimsy excuses. I remembered thest night before I left. The sound of the door I closed softly so as not to wake Noah. The dim light from the living roommp. And Liam, sitting alone on the sofa, not saying a word as I walked out. Only an empty stare, like someone watching a ship slowly leave the dock without the courage to call it back. Now, his eyes were no longer empty. They were full-full of something I couldn¡¯t quite name. Regret? Longing? Guilt? Or a mixture of all three? I didn¡¯t know. What I did know was that seeing him like this broke something inside me, and I hated admitting it. The sand beneath my feet felt cold, slightly damp. Each small movement sent a strange sensation through my body, as if the earth was reminding me that I was still here, in the real world, and had to choose my next step. I could turn around, walk away, and let this be nothing more than a chance encounter-a tiny fragment in therger story I was writing. But I could also stay, let time dissolve the anger and the hurt, either to find a proper ending¡­ or a new beginning. The waves came again, licking the edge of my feet, leaving a salty trace that slowly dried on my skin. Somewhere beyond the rocks, the sun was climbing higher, bringing light that couldn¡¯t be avoided. And in that light, I stood, with someone I once loved so deeply, not knowing whether what I felt now was the remains of that love¡­ or just its shadow. Between the whisper of the wind and the crash of the waves, only silence spoke. Silence too heavy to break, yet too fragile to leave untouched. I didn¡¯t answer. But I stepped back toward the shore, and we walked side by side along the water¡¯s edge. My steps were slow, not 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 67 PAPER 50% truly wanting to walk with him, yet not strong enough to tell him to leave, Liam stayed beside me, keeping a respectful distance, as if he knew I was still full of wounds that hadn¡¯t healed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t actually nning toe here,¡± he said, his voice quiet but clear enough. ¡°I just¡­ drove Emily to a photo shoot location.¡± I immediately turned to him, my brows arching, my gaze sharp. That name pricked like a fine needle into skin that hadn¡¯t yet recovered. Emily. The woman who once made him choose to ignore me. Liam seemed to realize my reaction, but he continued anyway. ¡°After that, I didn¡¯t know where to go. I thought I needed some time alone, some air. I drove without direction, and then suddenly I saw the sign for this beach by the side of the road. I don¡¯t know why¡­ but I stopped.¡± I turned my gaze toward the sea. My chest felt tight, but I didn¡¯t want to show him that. ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me about Emily,¡± I said curtly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to know. I¡¯ve had enough of feeling worthless because of her presence.¡± Liam exhaled heavily. ¡°I know¡­ and I¡¯m sorry. Sienna, I waspletely lost back then. I was a fool. I should never have made you feel like a second choice. Because you¡­ you¡¯re not someone to bepared. You¡¯re the only one.¡± I bit my lower lip, holding back the pressure building in my chest. But I refused to cry. Not in front of him. ¡°I tried calling you, over and over. But you kept rejecting my calls. I¡­ I understand. But when I saw that beach sign, for some reason I felt like I had toe here. I thought, if God really wanted me to speak to you¡­ then maybe I¡¯d meet you here.¡± He gave a bitter smile. ¡°Turns out you really are here.¡± I fell silent, my fingers curling into fists at my sides. Part of me wanted to say that it was just a coincidence. But another part of me wanted to say that it was just a coincidence. But another part couldn¡¯t deny that this felt like more than mere coincidence. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s fate?¡± Liam said softly, as if reading my thoughts. I closed my eyes for a moment. Fate. A word too big for a rtionship already in ruins. But also too heavy to fully dismiss. I didn¡¯t reply. I simply kept walking, letting the sand absorb all the doubts still echoing in my heart. Even though I couldn¡¯t yet forgive, couldn¡¯t fully ept¡­ I no longer said, ¡°Don¡¯t follow me!¡± Perhaps my silence today was the most honest form of a wound that was beginning to learn to ept reality. 11-Z1AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 68 68 68 Sienna¡¯s POV 50% We were still walking side by side, our steps slow as we made our way along the shoreline, now gradually crowded with visitors. Some childrenughed joyfully, sand flying as they ran, and the sound of the waves became a peaceful backdrop-yet it also made my chest tight, weighed down by too many unspoken things. Liam walked beside me in silence for a moment, then asked, ¡°So¡­ why are you here, Sienna?¡± His pace slowed as his eyes caught sight of my tote bag, a corner of myptop peeking out. ¡°Are you here to find inspiration?¡± he asked more cautiously. I stopped walking. My chest felt full. Those questions-no matter how harmless the intention-pierced a private space I wasn¡¯t ready to open. The sea breeze swept through my hair, tangling it messily, like my thoughts right now. I looked down, watching our footprints slowly disappear beneath the waves, like my small efforts to forget the real reason I came here. This ce, this beach, was meant to be an escape. Now, I don¡¯t know what it is. Maybe a liminal space, a ce where I can pretend everything is okay. Liam was still standing next to me, but I didn¡¯t look at him. I wasn¡¯t tired, yet I couldn¡¯t move. My body suddenly felt too heavy. Heavy with the weight I¡¯ve carried all this time, buried deep within, hoping time would somehow dissolve it. But time isn¡¯t a healer. It only makes wounds better at hiding. I inhaled deeply, letting the salty air fill my lungs, but it did nothing to ease the tightness in my chest. The scent of the ocean, usually calming, only reminded me of losses I still hadn¡¯t been able to process. Theptop sticking out of my bag felt like a silent reminder of all the promises I¡¯d once made¡ªto myself, to someone who now was just a name, to a world expecting words from me, as if I weren¡¯t slowly falling apart. Everything looked too beautiful to stare at for too long. As if nature was mocking me: look, everything keeps moving, whether or not you¡¯re left behind. I kept walking. The sand beneath my feet was still warm, but it no longer broughtfort. A distance began to form, even in the middle of this crowd. As if the world was loud all around me, and yet I remained alone. Not because no one was beside me, but because no one truly knew the kind of battlefield I was fighting in my head and heart. In the distance, I heard theughter of children ying in the water. I nced over and saw that carefree joy-so foreign to me now. I used to be like that, too. Light, unburdened. Laughing without fear, writing without second-guessing, loving without being afraid of losing. But now, everything feltplicated. Layered with doubt and wounds. I knew Liam was watching. Maybe he was trying to read my gestures, guessing at thoughts I kept tightly locked away. But I didn¡¯t want to exin. Not because I didn¡¯t trust him-but because I didn¡¯t know where to start. Sometimes pain is too vast to summarize in words, and too intimate to share, even with the best intentions. 11:21 AM 68 Tue 2 Sep ? 50% ¡ö My steps led us away from the crowd. I wanted silence. I let the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks be the only thing I heard. Because in the roar of the sea and the stillness of the sky, at least I didn¡¯t have to pretend to be okay. At least here, I could breathe-even if the grief hadn¡¯t passed. ¡°Liam,¡± I said, my voice sharper than I intended. ¡°We should stop here.¡± He looked confused. ¡°Why?¡± I took a deep breath. ¡°You¡¯re asking too many questions. It makes me ufortable.¡± Liam looked down. His shoulders slumped a little, and his gaze softened with regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡­ I just wanted to talk. But I forgot that maybe this is too much for you.¡± I nodded slightly. ¡°I think¡­ we should go our separate ways. I want to be alone.¡± I turned around, ready to leave this ce-and end a conversation that kept pulling me back to somewhere I had fought so hard t walk away from. But before I could take another step, a voice shouted from the distance. ¡°Watch out!¡± I turned reflexively. The voice came from the left, near the rocks jutting out just beyond the shoreline. Amid the crowd that had started to panic, I saw a small child fall into the shallow water, their body swept away by a current stronger than anyone expecte It only took a split second to understand what was happening. The child had slipped while trying to climb the rocks-maybe to y, maybe just to get closer to the waves-and now they were iling, their legs kicking frantically in the water. My body moved before my mind could protest. I dropped my bag onto the sand and ran without a word. My bare feet hit the sand that grew firmer as I neared the water. I could hear someone calling the child¡¯s name-probably the mother-her voice breaking panicked, carried by the wind. But I didn¡¯t look back. The cold sea hit me like a p. I pushed forward, half-swimming, half-running through the water now up to my waist. The child had drifted farther, though not yet dangerously far. But the fear in their eyes-the confusion on their tiny face-made my heart race faster than ever. I reached out and grabbed the small body. They clung to me instantly, shivering. ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­ You¡¯re safe now,¡± I whispered, mo to myself than to them. My breath was ragged, but I forced my body to remain steady as I carried the child back to shore, fightin against waves that didn¡¯t want to let us go. Once we reached the sand, a woman-clearly the child¡¯s mother-rushed toward us, her eyes wet and face etched with fear now giving way to relief. She pulled the child from my arms, cradling them gently, then looked at me with grateful eyes. I gave a sma nod, unable to speak. My legs trembled violently-not just from the cold water, but from the adrenaline that hadn¡¯t fully worn Sincerity 69 69 69 Sienna¡¯s POV I stepped back, away from the gathering crowd, and sat on the damp sand. My breathing was still uneven, but my body was beginning to feel real again. I didn¡¯t notice that Liam was already standing not far from me. He watched me for a long moment, then sat down beside me, saying nothing. He didn¡¯t try to touch me, didn¡¯t ask anything. He was just there. I looked down, staring at the grains of sand clinging to my knees and hands. For a moment, the world felt quiet, even though there were still plenty of sounds around me. Amid the chaos that had just happened, I realized something: there was a part of me still capable of moving, acting, saving-even if my heart felt like it was barely afloat. Maybe I wasn¡¯tpletely broken. Then, a volleyball came flying straight at me. In a split second, Liam stepped forward, trying to block it. But his movement was too quick, maybe too impulsive. Instead of catching or deflecting it, the ball hit him square in the face-right on the nose. ¡°Liam!¡± I shouted, startled. The ball dropped onto the sand, and Liam staggered back a step, grimacing. His hand immediately went to his nose, and when he pulled it away, blood began to trickle from one nostril. The kids who had been ying with the ball came running toward us, their faces full of panic and guilt. ¡°We¡¯re sorry, Mister! We didn¡¯t mean to!¡± Liam raised one hand, signaling that it was okay, though his face was clearly still twisted in pain. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± he said softly. I was frozen for a few seconds, then quickly snapped out of it and opened my bag, searching for something. I found a small, pale blue handkerchief I always carried and handed it to him immediately. ¡°Here. Press it to your nose, quickly,¡± I said, half-panicked. Liam took it with a slightly trembling hand. ¡°Thanks¡­¡± he murmured, pressing the handkerchief to his nose, trying to stop the bleeding I looked at him. It was a minor injury. But strangely, seeing that blood-seeing him hurt-somehow melted my earlier anger, washed away by the panic and whatever lingering feelings I hadn¡¯tpletely let go of. ¡°Liam¡­ are you okay?¡± I asked softly, my voice sounding more worried than I intended. Liam kept the handkerchief against his nose. The bleeding had slowed, but still, seeing him like that made my chest tighten. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem broken¡­ just a hard hit,¡± he replied quietly, attempting a smile, even though the pain was obvious. I looked around and spotted a small sign that said ¡°Clinic¡± near a row of food stalls and surfboard rental shops. It was no more 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 60 50% than a five-minute walk away. Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed his wrist. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re going to that clinic. Don¡¯t talk too much-you might faint if you keep bleeding.¡± Liam looked a little surprised as I gently pulled him, but he didn¡¯t resist. He only nodded quietly and followed my steps. I didn¡¯t even realize I was leading him, guiding him like someone I was fully responsible for. My fingers were no longer just touching-they were wrapped around his wrist firmly, instinctively, as if my body was being more honest than my mind. Our pace was slow as we passed through a few onlookers who turned their heads at the faint smear of blood on Liam¡¯s face. But I didn¡¯t care. All I could think about was getting him checked before anything worse happened. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be that careless,¡± he mumbled, his voice slightly muffled by the handkerchief still pressed to his face. ¡°Just be quiet. You can babble once your nose stops bleeding,¡± I said, not looking at him, but not loosening my grip either. The clinic was small and modest, the sign on the front a bit faded, but the atmosphere was calm. As we arrived at the door, a nurse who saw Liam¡¯s condition immediately opened it and ushered him inside. I only let go of his wrist when a staff member took over and guided Liam to the examination room. My hand felt suddenly empty, and only then did I realize just how tightly I¡¯d been holding on. I stood in front of the clinic door, watching Liam through the ss. He was still pressing the handkerchief-my handkerchief- against his nose, asionally ncing my way. A faint, meaningful smile tugged at his lips, even though his face was a little messy. A few minutester, Liam came out of the examination room with a small piece of cotton under his nose. He held a stic bag containing medication, and although he still looked a bit pale, his expression had calmed. ¡°All done,¡± he said softly, smiling at me. ¡°They said it¡¯s not broken, just a small blood vessel burst.¡± I gave a small nod. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Just then, a man in a white uniform stepped out from the inner room. His face lit up in a warm smile as he saw me. ¡°Oh, Sienna! You¡¯re here,¡± he greeted cheerfully. I nodded slightly, a little awkward. ¡°Yes, Doctor.¡± The doctor came closer and looked at me for a moment, then asked with genuine concern, ¡°Has your headache gotten any better?¡± Liam, standing beside me, immediately turned his head, a clear expression of surprise on his face. His eyes fixed on me, full of silent questions. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. ¡°It¡¯s a little better now, Doctor,¡± He nodded, though his tone remained concerned. ¡°But don¡¯t take it lightly. If it keeps recurring, you should get checked at a bigger hospital. It might not just be fatigue. We don¡¯t want to take any risks, right?¡± 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 69 50% I forced a smile and looked down slightly. ¡°Thank you, Doctor. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Liam remained silent, his eyes on me as if trying to piece together everything he had just heard. But I didn¡¯t give him a chance to ask. ¡°Come on,¡± I said quickly, touching his arm lightly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Liam still looked confused, but he followed. We walked out of the clinic, down a narrow hallway that led to the front porch. The sea breeze returned, brushing against my face as the door shut behind us. ¡°Sienna¡­¡± he said softly, almost a whisper. ¡°How long have you been sick? Is¡­ is it serious?¡± I stopped. My steps froze in the sand. I stared at the horizon, trying to steady my heartbeat, which had suddenly quickened. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be asking that,¡± I replied, still facing away from him. ¡°But I care,¡± he said again. ¡°I¡ª¡± ¡°No,¡± I cut him off sharply, turning around to face him, my eyes cold. ¡°You lost the right to care, Liam. This isn¡¯t your business anymore.¡± 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 70 70 50% 70 Sienna¡¯s POV Liam¡¯s gaze shifted. Pain and guilt flickered there again, but I refused to let it reach the walls of my defenses that had only just begun to stand again. I pointed toward the small parking lot across the street. ¡°Your car¡¯s over there, right? Go home.¡± He looked at me as if wanting to say something, but didn¡¯t. Maybe because he knew I was already exhausted, or maybe because he realized that not all wounds can be healed simply by showing up again. ¡°Drive safe,¡± I said atst-softer than before, but still firm. I turned and began to walk away, leaving him standing alone amid the crash of waves and the sand growing colder beneath the night. I didn¡¯t look back. Not this time. Because I knew that if I stopped now, I¡¯d be trapped again between longing and the wounds that had never truly healed. My steps left trails in the dampening sand, every grain clinging to my feet like remnants of memories unwilling to let go. The sea breeze swept through my hair, tossing it across my face, carrying the sharp scent of salt. The waves kept chasing each other, breaking along the shore in a tireless rhythm, like time itself continuing to move even when the heart wants to stop. Above, the sky was a dusky shade of purple-grey, thest traces of twilight almost entirely gone. In the distance, the horizon blurred, where sea and sky merged, making the boundary almost impossible to see. Just like this feeling-unclear where longing ends and rejection begins. My feet pressed deeper into the sand as the wind picked up, swaying my body slightly. I took a deep breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs. But each breath brought back fragments of memoryughter in the afternoon, footsteps side by side, the sound of the waves that once felt warm because someone was beside me. Now, those waves only sounded like echoes from too far away. The sea asionally brushed against my feet, its chill creeping into my bones. It felt like a warning-that the world wouldn¡¯t grow warmer simply because I wanted it to. Each time the tide receded, the sand beneath me eroded away, making me lose my bnce just slightly. Much like how a single departure can shake the foundations I once thought were solid. I walked without a clear destination, just following the line of the shore. Stars began to appear, shyly piercing through a thin veil of clouds. A half-moon hung low, its glow rippling across the gently heaving water. In the distance, a small boat¡¯s lights flickered -too far to reach, yet close enough to see. My heart felt like that boat, drifting in the middle of the ocean, shining its light only as a reminder that it still existed, even if no one was truly looking. The sand beneath my feet grew colder. The footprints I left were soon erased by the waves, as if whispering that not every step needed to be remembered. Some were meant to be let go. Yet part of me still clung-like a child unwilling to release a broken toy for fear of losing thest thing they had. 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 70 50% The wind shifted, carrying a faint scent of rain. The air grew heavier, damp against my skin. The rustle of palm fronds along the shore added anotheryer of silence-one that, strangely, filled my ears instead of emptying them. I paused, letting my feet sink slightly deeper into the sand. In front of me, the sea stretched endlessly. I used to love its vastness, because it reminded me that the world was bigger than my problems. Now, that vastness only felt like empty space I could never hope to fill. The tide rolled in again, wrapping around my feet for a moment before retreating. I let it. Because in every pull of the water, the lesson was the same: not everything thates is meant to stay, and not everything that leaves takes all of itself away. Some parts remain-like the salt on your skin, or grains of sand caught between your toes. Behind me, the trail of footprints leading back to where he had stood was almost entirely gone. The sea had imed them, leaving the beach looking untouched¡ªas if no one had been here at all. And maybe that was for the best. I hadn¡¯t gone far when I heard footsteps crunching in the sand behind me. The sound of sand grinding beneath his shoes, then stopping not far from where I stood. ¡°Sienna,¡± he called softly. ¡°Let me take you home.¡± I stopped, but didn¡¯t turn. ¡°No need,¡± I said tly. ¡°I can take a taxi.¡± ¡°Please, just let me-¡± ¡°No, Liam,¡± I cut him off quickly. This time I looked at him, unable to hide the exhaustion in my eyes. ¡°I need space. I need quiet. And you¡­ your presence right now only makes everything harder.¡± He fell silent. His face tightened, his jaw clenched, and his eyes reflected every form of rejection I had just spoken. But I didn¡¯t care. I couldn¡¯t pretend to be strong around him. Not anymore. Liam stepped closer. ¡°I won¡¯t force you to talk. I just want to make sure you get home safe.¡± ¡°Liam,¡± I said softly, but firmly. ¡°You¡¯ve hurt me enough. Please don¡¯t bother me again. This isn¡¯t some romantic drama where you suddenly show up and everything magically gets better.¡± I took a deep breath, holding back the storm in my chest that was on the verge of breaking. ¡°Please¡­ stop. Don¡¯t make me even more confused.¡± For a few seconds, he just stood there in silence before finally letting out a long sigh. ¡°Alright,¡± he said quietly, almost in surrender. ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll stay here. I¡¯ll wait. Until you actually get in a taxi and leave.¡± I froze for a moment but said nothing. I stood at the side of the road, restless, my hand gripping the strap of my bag slung over my shoulder, while my eyes asionally darted toward Liam, who stood not far from me-still keeping his word, waiting until I got into a taxi. But there was one thing I realized toote. My apartment was only a five-minute walk from here. 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 70 3 50% Oh God. Why did I say I¡¯d take a taxi? Now I was trapped in a small lie that only made everything moreplicated. How could I possibly get in a taxi just to get out two blocks away? That would be even more embarrassing than letting Liam drive me earlier. I closed my eyes briefly, trying to calm myself. Maybe I could pretend to wait for a taxi, then take a roundabout walk once he was gone. But¡­ judging by the way he was watching me now-alert and determined like a guard dog-I doubted he¡¯d leave before seeing a taxi door close and the car drive away. Liam was truly a nuisance. GET IT N¡­ X 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 71 71 71 Sienna¡¯s POV 50% I stared at the city lights in the distance, glittering like shards of ss scattered in the night air. The wind carried the scent of salt and a faint trace of fuel from fishing boats docked somewhere far away. My legs wanted to move forward, but my body stayed rooted in ce, caught between the urge to disappear and the awkwardness that kept me still. Behind me, I could feel his presence clinging like a shadow. Not because I turned to look, but because the air between us was heavy with something invisible-a mix of distrust, memories, and vignce neither of us was willing to loosen. The only constant sound was the waves breaking on the shore. Each crash felt like the ticking of an hourss, forcing time to move. Strange, how a distance of only a few steps could feel like miles inside my head. I nced at the watch on my wrist. Five minutes. Just five minutes to walk home. But those five minutes could easily turn into five hours if I had to wait for him to actually leave. Ironic, how close home was, yet I was still stuck here. The sand beneath my feet was starting to cool as night crept in. My toes felt slightly stiff, but I remained standing. Maybe this was my body¡¯s way of protesting the foolishness of a heart that created a small problem just to avoid a bigger one. A taxi passed on the road near the beach, its headlights glinting off the rippling water. For a moment, I imagined myself raising my hand, climbing in, then getting out near my apartment. But that image shattered instantly, because I knew he¡¯d notice- counting the distance, maybe even circling back just to make sure I hadn¡¯t lied. I shifted my weight to my right foot, trying to look rxed. My heartbeat refused to cooperate. Nervousness crawled in, though I couldn¡¯t tell if it was because of the lie or because of the closeness to someone who should have been far away. The tide came in again, higher this time, almost reaching the edge of my sandals. White foam broke around my feet, leaving the taste of salt in the air. I drew a deep breath, hoping the sea breeze could settle the chaos in my head. It didn¡¯t. I knew I had to decide-wait until he got bored and left, or swallow my pride and just walk to the apartment. But neither option was appealing. In the distance, the sound of an engine approached. Whether it was a taxi or just another passing car, I couldn¡¯t tell. But tonight, every engine sounded like both an invitation and a threat. I stayed where I was, letting time hang between the waves and the streetlights. Maybe, if I stood still long enough, things would resolve themselves without me having to choose. ¡°Siennnaaa!¡± I turned. A middle-aged woman carrying arge basket in one hand and a box of oranges in the other waved at me. Her face was bright, her steps quick despite the heavy load. ¡°Mrs. Wn¡­¡± I bowed my head slightly, smiling awkwardly. 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 50% 71 ¡°What a coincidence to meet you here!¡± she said enthusiastically. ¡°I just got back from my hometown-brought back lots of oranges. These are for you.¡± She handed me a small box of fresh oranges. I took them, even though I wanted to refuse-my hands already full and my heart even heavier. But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to disappoint Bu Wn, who had always been kind to me since I moved into the apartment. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am. Wow¡­ that¡¯s a lot,¡± I said with a stiff smile. ¡°Yes, just sharing the blessings. Oh, are you heading back to your apartment too? Come on, let¡¯s walk together!¡± I was just about to reply when I felt Liam¡¯s gaze, sharp and instantly suspicious. His eyes narrowed as if trying to assess who this woman was and why she had suddenly appeared, carrying a box of oranges like some unexpected guardian angel. Liam took a step closer, then-acting far too casually, almost exaggeratedly-extended his hand and said, ¡°Let me carry that for you, Ma¡¯am.¡± Before I could protest, he had already taken the box from my hands, holding it effortlessly with one arm as though it were nothing. ¡°Oh, wow! Thank you, young man,¡± Bu Wn said cheerfully. ¡°And who might you be? A friend of yours, Sienna?¡± Before I could open my mouth, Liam answered quickly, ¡°Just a fan of hers, Ma¡¯am.¡± I shot him a sharp look, a mix of shock and embarrassment, but Bu Wn onlyughed heartily. ¡°Hahaha! A fan? Oh yes, that¡¯s right-Sienna is a writer!¡± All I could do was give an awkward smile and look down, wishing the sand beneath my feet could swallow me whole. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s go. I happen to be carrying a lot of things too, it¡¯s nice to have someone helping out,¡± Bu Wn said, already starting to walk ahead. I could only follow behind them, head lowered, my heart in a tangled mess. My steps slowed as we entered the apartment hallway. The sound of Bu Wn chatting about her trip home drifted faintly into my ears. Liam walked silently behind us, carrying that box of oranges, but his presence clung to my back like a shadow. I inhaled quietly. All my ns had copsed in an instant. I had wanted to slip away unnoticed, to hide everything-including the address of where I lived. I had even been willing to stand there waiting for a taxi I would never actually take, just to keep my distance from him, Now he was walking down my apartment hallway. Following my steps. Carrying a box of oranges from my neighbor. He knew. Now he knew where I lived. Damn it. I bit my lip, trying to hold back the frustration rising in my chest. Not because of the oranges, not because of Bu Wn¡ªwho, unknowingly, had weed Liam so warmly-but because I had tried so hard to keep my distance, and all of it had been undone 11:21 AM Tue 2 Sep 71 in mere minutes. Was I too na?ve? 50% I should have known-a small lie neversts long, especially against someone like Liam, who¡¯s too stubborn to read the signals that I wanted him to stay away. We stopped in front of Bu Wn¡¯s unit. I helped open the door, and Liam set the box of oranges on the small dining table, instantly filling the air with the fresh scent of vige-grown fruit. Bu Wn thanked him repeatedly, even inviting him to sit in the living room, but I quickly declined on our behalf. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ll be going now,¡± I said quickly. I stepped out before Liam could say a word. My heart was pounding wildly. I knew he would see which unit I lived in. He might remember the door number. He might evene backter. That was what I feared most. 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 72 72 50% 72 Sienna¡¯s POV As I slid the key into the lock and pushed open the door to my apartment, I could feel Liam¡¯s eyes on my back. Silent. Unassuming. Yet still pressing against me like an unwee weight. I stepped inside without a word. No goodbye. No thank you. I thought that if I held onto my silence long enough, he would finally understand that I still wanted distance. That I still wanted to hide the wounds that had never fully healed. But deep down, I knew that from this day forward, that line of separation had begun to blur. And I wasn¡¯t sure if I was ready for whatever mighte after this. The click of the lock sounded too loud in my ears. Louder than the crash of the waves or the echo of his footsteps trailing behind me earlier. I leaned against the door for a moment, closing my eyes, letting the stillness of my small apartment wrap around my tired body. This space was narrow, modest, but it had always been enough of a fortress for me. A ce where I could release the weight without fearing anyone¡¯s gaze. But tonight, with his presence still lingering just outside, the walls no longer felt sturdy. As if his shadow had seeped in through invisible cracks. I set my bag on the chair near the entrance and wandered to the kitchte. My hand moved on instinct, turning the faucet, filling a ss, drinking in quick gulps. The dryness in my throat didn¡¯t really go away-it only shifted into a hollowness I couldn¡¯t ignore. My eyes lingered on the small dining table draped with a in cloth. Usually it was quiet there, holding only a te or two or a stray notebook I¡¯d brought from my desk. Now it carried a phantom trace of citrus-those oranges Liam had carried earlier into Bu Wn¡¯s apartment. Strange, how even a scent could follow me here, tightening the space between us despite all my effort to keep him away. I moved into the living area, flicking on the dim yellowmp overhead. The glow touched the sofa, the thin rug, the pile of books I hadn¡¯t yet organized. I sank onto the couch, leaned my head back, and buried my face in my hands. A long breath escaped. Every attempt at distance, every little lie to protect myself, felt useless. He knew where I lived now. He knew my way home. Which meant he could appear at my door any time. The thought made my chest constrict, like invisible strings pulling tight around me. And yet, beneath that suffocating fear, there was another tremor-one I didn¡¯t want to admit. A small part of me that felt almost relieved that I no longer had to pretend. That the secret had been forced open without me having to say a word. That terrified me the most. Because if relief existed, it meant I still wanted him near. The wall clock ticked faintly, filling the silence. My eyes drifted to the curtained window where streetlights cast blurred shadows against the floor. Was he still out there? Waiting? Or had he gone? I didn¡¯t have the courage to find out. The knock came just as I was about to peel off my sweater and settle at the dining table. Soft, but sharp enough to freeze me in 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 72 ce. My heart thudded hard. I didn¡¯t need to guess who it was. Liam. 50% I held my breath, praying it was just a single knock. That if I ignored it, he would leave. But hope was a fragile dream, because his voice followed soon after-gentle, familiar: ¡°Sienna¡­ your oranges are still with me. You forgot to take them earlier.¡± Damn it. I really had forgotten. A dull throb pressed against my temples, not from the headache the doctor had mentioned earlier, but from the rush of frustration and awkwardness boiling in my chest. I rose, walked slowly to the door, and cracked it open halfway¡ªjust enough to see him standing there, one hand clutching the heavy box of oranges like it weighed nothing. ¡°You can just leave it outside,¡± I said, my voice low but firm. But he only shook his head. And before I could stop him, he added quickly, ¡°I¡¯ll bring it in. Too heavy for you to carry alone.¡± I opened my mouth to object, but Liam had already nudged the door wider and stepped inside-like he still had the right. My fists clenched at my sides, holding back the urge to shout. He set the box neatly by the dining table, then-without hesitation -dropped onto the sofa in my living room. ¡°Nice ce,¡± he remarked, stretching out casually. My jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯ve delivered the oranges. Now leave,¡± I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. But he only turned toward me, calm as ever, as if my demand were nothing more than small talk. ¡°I¡¯ll just stay for a bit,¡± he replied lightly, leaning back against the cushions. ¡°You don¡¯t need to act like I¡¯m some kind of criminal.¡± I exhaled slowly, struggling to contain the anger and confusion swelling inside me. How could he walk in so easily? Sit so easily? As though nothing had ever happened between us. As though there had never been betrayal, never nights I cried myself to sleep because he had chosen someone else over me. My small living room suddenly felt suffocating. The walls that usually protected me now seemed to close in, pressing down on my chest with his presence sprawled so casually on the sofa. I stood a few steps away from him, fists clenched unconsciously, fighting against the storm inside me. It was as if every memory I had tried to bury over the past weeks came rushing back the moment his body leaned into that seat. The long nights spent with swollen eyes, the muffled sobs I held back so the neighbors wouldn¡¯t hear, the promises that shattered halfway through-all of them crowded in like unwanted guests. I walked to the window, pulling back the thin curtain to let more of the streetlight spill in. But the glow wasn¡¯t enough to chase 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 72 49% away the shadows that clung to this room. I tried to steady my breathing, squaring my shoulders, pretending that silence could shield me more strongly than words ever could. The ticking of the wall clock grew louder. Its hands moved slowly, but every second added weight to the air. I wanted to busy myself-pick up a book, straighten the table, pour a cup of tea-but every movement would only acknowledge that I was letting him stay. So I remained frozen, holding in the restless tide in my mind. He was so calm, while I burned from the inside. The contrast only fueled my anger. How could he step into my space, sit there as if nothing was wrong, and look soposed-as if he had the right? GET IT N¡­ 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 73 73 73 Sienna¡¯s POV 49% I moved to the tiny kitchen, pulled out a clean ss, and filled it with water. My motions were stiff, mechanical, like a machine. I drank half of it down, hoping the cold liquid would extinguish the fire raging in me, but it only left a bitter taste on my tongue. The waves of memory crashed again. I remembered how that sofa once held ourughter, where we shared trivial stories untilte at night. And now, he sat there again, not withughter, but with silence heavy with scars. How ironic, that a piece of furniture could hold so much history I wished I could erase. I set the ss back on the counter, staring nkly at the floor. Each breath weighed me down, each heartbeat reminded me of how fragile I still was in his presence. I wanted to scream, to demand he leave, but the words were stones lodged in my throat. I walked back to the living room, stopping a few paces away. He was still there, like a shadow refusing to fade. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to fight the sudden chill that nketed me. This ce was no longer my safe haven; it had be a stage where old wounds and forbidden desires collided. My eyes darted to the door, aching to escape into the night air. But I knew running wouldn¡¯t solve anything. His shadow would follow, clinging to my steps, seeping into my thoughts. Finally, I lowered myself onto a chair across from him, keeping as much distance as possible, though it was never wide enough to block the surge of emotions threatening to drown me. My knees pressed tightly together, fingers twisting the hem of my skirt, channeling the chaos I couldn¡¯t speak aloud. Outside, cars asionally passed, proof that the world still moved normally. But inside this room, time seemed to halt, trapping me in a whirlpool I couldn¡¯t resist. I lowered my head, shutting my eyes briefly, trying to calm the old pain that had split open again from one single presence. ¡°You¡¯re right-you¡¯re not a criminal, Liam,¡± I said atst, my voice soft but cold. ¡°But you¡¯re thest person I want to see in my private space.¡± He didn¡¯t answer. Only silence, his eyes fixed on me. In that silence, I saw the same gaze that used to make me weak. But this time, my heart was lined with caution, a shield that would not be easily broken. I looked away, took a deep breath, then moved toward the box of oranges. I began transferring them one by one onto the kitchen shelf. My hands kept busy, but my mind spun restlessly. I should¡¯ve been firmer. I should¡¯ve never let him in. So why was I too slow? ¡°Sorry,¡± Liam¡¯s voice broke softly from the sofa. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to intrude. I just¡­¡± I snapped my head toward him. ¡°Just what?¡± He lifted one shoulder in a small shrug, eyes lowering ¡°Just wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± A bitterugh slipped from me, humorless and sharp. ¡°You came all this way, walked into someone¡¯s home without permission, 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 73 6 49% just to make sure I¡¯m okay?¡± He nodded, and for the first time I caught the weariness etched clearly across his face. ¡°Yes. Because I haven¡¯t felt at ease since you left. Now I realize, I don¡¯t know anything about you anymore. Not even where you live¡­ until today.¡± His words pierced me. But I showed nothing. I simply turned my back and continued moving the oranges, letting him sit there in silence, surrounded by the fragments of wounds I still hadn¡¯t put back in ce. Because even though I knew I should be angry¡­ my heart still beat faster every time he said my name. And that was what hurt the most. I was still transferring a few oranges into the fruit bowl on the dining table when Liam¡¯s footsteps drew closer. Clearly, he had no intention of leaving yet. His steps were soft, careful, but his presence still felt like a thorn in my throat. Then he stopped behind me, and I could feel his gaze sweeping over my small kitchen. I didn¡¯t turn. I just kept arranging the oranges with hands that trembled slightly from the awkwardness. ¡°Do you live alone here?¡± he asked suddenly. I didn¡¯t answer. Questions like that would only drag me into a territory I didn¡¯t want to open to him. A few seconds of silence passed before he spoke again, his voice lower, as if he was holding something back. ¡°Do you have enough food supplies? If not, I can go buy some now.¡± 1 froze. My body stiffened for a moment before I turned around and looked straight at him. He was really staring at my tiny fridge and pantry shelves, as if assessing whether I had enough rice, eggs, or instant noodles. I let out a short sigh and replied, firm but controlled. ¡°My savings are still plenty, Liam. And besides, I have a job now. So don¡¯t think of me as someone you need to provide for.¡± His eyes flickered. A little surprised, maybe even ashamed. He held my gaze briefly before lowering his eyes. I didn¡¯t regret saying that. I knew my words were sharp, but I had to protect my own dignity. Back then, he had been too quick to pity. Too often showing up with help as if I couldn¡¯t survive without him. ¡°I was just worried,¡± he muttered. ¡°Your worryes toote,¡± I shot back quickly, then turned my face away. A long pause followed. The room felt silent except for the ticking of the wall clock. Then I heard him inhale deeply and say tly, ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go.¡± I didn¡¯t answer. I only stood still, staring at the oranges in the bowl. Liam walked to the door without a sound. I only heard the faint creak as it opened, and just before it closed again, he spoke softly, 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 73 3 49% ¡°Take care of yourself, Sienna.¡± The door shut with a muted click, but my chest felt as though it had been struck by the truth-that even though I wanted him gone, my heart was still not used to him truly walking away. I stood frozen for a while. Then slowly drew in a deep breath, swallowing the surge that nearly rose to my throat. I couldn¡¯t waver. I had walked too far to turn back. With slow steps, I sat down on the sofa where he had been sitting, and stared at the half-open box of oranges. I didn¡¯t know how any of this would end, but one thing I was certain of: I did not want to be pitied again. 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 74 74 49% 74 Liam¡¯s POV Streetlights lined up like man-made stars that never dimmed, illuminating the path I followed out of the parking lot. The hum of the car engine blended with the rush of the night wind, creating a silence that only amplified the echo of my thoughts. My hands were still gripping the steering wheel tightly, as if letting go even a little might make me lose my way-not just on the road, but in life itself. I didn¡¯t drive straight onto the main road. Instead, I let the car roll slowly, passing block after block of identical buildings. Somewhere in one of those upper-floor windows, I knew there was light from her apartment. Even though I couldn¡¯t see clearly, the shadow of her presence lingered in my eyes. I forced myself not to look too long, not wanting to appear like someone utterly desperate. But inside, I knew I was already at that point. Memories spun back quickly, uncontrobly. Sienna with herughter, with the way she used to call my name half-annoyed, with that gaze of hers that could make the world stop. And then, the image of thatst day surfaced again¡ªthe day I shattered everything with a foolish choice I still couldn¡¯t fully understand. How could I have let her walk away so easily? How could I not have fought harder back then? The weight of regret pressed against my chest. But along with it, a small ember of resolve flickered. I would not allow regret to be the end of this story. Not this time. I pulled the car over for a moment at the side of the road, right beneath a dim yellowmp. Switching on the cabin light, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. These eyes looked older now, ringed with fatigue. But behind all of that, I could see something different: courage. Something I never had when it came to choosing between her and my own pride. The phone in my pocket buzzed briefly. A message from the office group. I nced at it, then ignored it. Tonight, my thoughts were only for Sienna. Everything else felt distant, unimportant. What mattered was that small step earlier-knowing where she was, hearing her voice again, even if her words were cold and sharp. That alone was enough to make me feel alive again. I lit a cigarette I had kept in the dashboard for a long time. The drag didn¡¯t really calm me-it only thickened the air inside the car. But I needed something to fill the emptiness between the loud thumps of my heartbeat. The smoke curled, then slipped out with a long exhale. The clock on the dashboard showed almost ten at night. The streets were growing quiet, with only the asional car passing by. I finally pressed the gas pedal again, letting the car slowly crawl away from her apartmentplex. Yet even as the wheels carried me farther, I knew part of me was still there. On the same floor as hers. In that hallway where I stood, wishing she would look at me a moment longer. Behind that door I closed so heavily, leaving behind someone I half longed to hold, half forced myself to let go. I knew tomorrow might not be any different. She would still be cold, still keep her distance, maybe even reject me more harshly. But that didn¡¯t scare me. Because every rejection meant one more chance to prove I wasn¡¯t the same man I used to be. My car finally reached the main road. The night air swept across the windshield, carrying with it the mixed scents of the city- 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 74 49% smoke, street food, and the pulse of a life that never really slept. I drew in a long breath, dropped the cigarette into the ashtray, and tightened my grip on the steering wheel. Tonight I wasn¡¯t going home with a victory. But I was going home with one small certainty: I had found the path again. The path back to Sienna. And though it might be long, winding, and full of thorns-I was ready to walk it. The house was quiet when I opened the door. The lights in the living room were already on, a sign that someone hade home earlier. Sure enough, not long after, I heard the sound of small footsteps running from inside. ¡°Noah!¡± I called out, smiling wide. That little boy ran to me with the kind of smile that could melt my heart no matter how heavy my day had been. His small body leapt into my arms, and I immediately lifted him high. ¡°Daddy¡¯s home!¡± he said excitedly, his voice bright and full of joy. ¡°Daddy took so long! I already drew three cars and one airne while waiting!¡± Iughed, ruffling his slightly long ck hair. ¡°Sorry, Daddy¡¯s little hero. But I brought you something.¡± ¡°Snacks?!¡± His eyes widened in pure hope. I nodded, then pulled out a stic bag from the car and handed it to him. He took it as though he had just discovered treasure, his eyes shining as he saw the wafers and candies that had long been his favorites. ¡°I love this! Daddy¡¯s the best in the world!¡± he eximed, wrapping his arms tightly around my neck. I hugged him back, holding on to the warmth that spread through my chest. For moments like this, I came home. For that little face that always weed me without conditions. We sat on the sofa together, Noah quickly tearing open a packet of candy and chewing happily. ¡°Today at school I drew Mommy,¡± he said suddenly. I turned to him, a little surprised. ¡°You drew Mommy?¡± GET IT N¡­ 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 75 Sincerity 75 49% 75 Liam¡¯s POV Noah nodded firmly. ¡°Yes. I told Teacher that I have a mommy who¡¯s beautiful, smart, and likes to write stories. Then Teacher gave me blue paper. That¡¯s Mommy¡¯s favorite color, right?¡± I could only stare at him. A subtle tremor stirred in my chest, something I couldn¡¯t put into words. Sometimes, I forgot how deeply Noah missed Sienna. Even though he didn¡¯t often say her name, I knew that longing never truly left him. Noah kept munching on the candy in his hand, while I just sat there watching his every move. How simple the world seemed through a child¡¯s eyes. He couldugh so freely over a piece of candy or a sheet of drawing paper, as if nothing bad had ever really happened. But I knew, deep down in his still-pure heart, there was an empty space he kept carefully hidden. A space shaped like his mother. I leaned back slightly against the sofa, letting my body rx after such a long day. But my mind wasn¡¯t at ease. The image of Sienna¡¯s face lingered, mingling with the sound of Noah speaking the word ¡°Mommy¡± with such certainty. A part of me felt shattered every time I realized he was growing up without truly having her around. I had tried my hardest to fill every space, every moment, but I knew I could never rece her. On hisp, Noah pulled out a folded sheet of paper he had tucked inside his little bag. The cars he said he had drawn earlier looked simple, filled with uneven lines and shing colors. But in the middle of those scribbles, there was another figure: a woman with long hair, big round eyes, and a blue dress. I knew, even without him exining, who it was he had drawn. The feeling came like a wave. A mix of joy and pain all at once. Joy, because Noah still kept his mother in his heart, still saw Sienna as someone beautiful and important. Pain, because reality said otherwise: he could only meet her through drawings, not in real embraces. I looked at the little face beside me, so absorbed with his candy and colored paper. There was a spark of spirit in his eyes, as if the world he created on the page was far more real than the one around him. I knew imagination was his way of surviving. And for that, I was grateful. Because at least it gave him a way to hold onto what I could not give him. The sound of the television in front of us filled the living room with the nightly news I hardly paid attention to. I just let the screen stay on, more for extra light than entertainment. My focus remained on Noah, on the way he sometimes chuckled to himself when he found the right color for his little airne. Noah reached into his small bag and pulled out a bright yellow envelope. ¡°Oh, right! This!¡± he eximed. ¡°Invitation!¡± I took the envelope from him and opened it slowly. Inside was pastel-colored paper with childlike handwriting and a small kindergarten logo at the top. An invitation to a kindergarten graduation? Next week? I read each line carefully. There was the program schedule, a note for the parents, and at the bottom, a reminder for the attendance of both mother and father. Instantly, a smile spread across my face. 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 75 49% A reason. Now I had a strong reason to see Sienna again. I gently stroked Noah¡¯s head. ¡°Do you want Daddy toe to this event?¡± ¡°Of course! Daddy and Mommy, right? Both of youe?¡± His eyes shone with hope. I gave a small nod. ¡°Daddy will try. Daddy will talk to Mommy.¡± He immediately cheered and hugged me again. ¡°Yay! I want to show you my new dance! I¡¯ve been practicing at school!¡± I smiled, but behind the smile, my thoughts began to drift. Tomorrow, I would see Sienna. Somehow, whether she let me in or not, I had to talk to her about this. About Noah. About that separation. This wasn¡¯t about us. This was about our child. And even though earlier she seemed so determined to keep her distance, I knew deep down Sienna could never refuse to be there for Noah. She loved him too much. I rose slowly and let Noah tear open another packet of snacks, bouncing happily on his little sofa. I walked into my room and ced the invitation on the table. Then I sat at the edge of the bed for a moment, letting my thoughts arrange themselves into a n. Tomorrow, I would bring that invitation with me. I wouldn¡¯te with demands orints. I woulde as Noah¡¯s father, and sincerely ask that we stand together beside our son on his important day. But more than that¡­ I wanted Sienna to know she didn¡¯t have to carry everything alone. That I still wanted to be present in their lives. I looked at the invitation once more, then let a faint smile tug at my lips. 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 76 76 76 Sienna¡¯s POV 49% My eyes were still heavy, the lids glued shut as if with wood glue. My head felt stuffed with cotton, maybe because I had stayed up toote the night before. But the sound of the doorbell kept ringing once, twice, three times-with patient, consistent persistence. I groaned softly, pulled the nket over my head, hoping whoever it was would give up. They didn¡¯t. The bell rang again. And again. With a resigned breath, I dragged myself out of bed, shuffling toward the door like a zombie rising from its grave. My hair was no doubt a tangled nest, and my pajamas were far from presentable for receiving visitors. The moment the door opened, I froze. ¡°Morning, Sienna.¡± Liam. He was standing there, holding tworge grocery bags that looked filled with food. But what unsettled me most was the broad smile on his face. A smile I had never seen before, the kind someone wears when they¡¯ve just found a reason to live again. ¡°What brings you here?¡± I asked immediately, still caught between dream and reality. ¡°Breakfast,¡± he said lightly, lifting the two bags. ¡°I know you haven¡¯t eaten yet, right? So I brought egg and bacon sandwiches. Thick ones. Plus snacks, coffee, and orange juice, just in case.¡± Before I could answer or refuse, he was already stepping inside. His strides were confident, as if this were his apartment and not mine. I turned, bewildered, still lingering at the doorway. ¡°Liam! I didn¡¯t say you coulde in!¡± I called out, a few seconds toote. But he was already unpacking the bags on my small dining table, taking out one thing after another: two big sandwiches wrapped in brown paper, two bottles of juice, a carton of coffee, and some small pastries like chocte- and cheese-filled rolls. ¡°Listen, I know you don¡¯t like surprise visits,¡± he said as he busied himself arranging the food. ¡°But I also know you probably skipped breakfast. So let¡¯s just call this a morning nutrition rescue mission.¡± I just stood there, stunned, unable to process any of it. ¡°Liam, I can buy my own breakfast,¡± I murmured. He turned, meeting my eyes with a smile. ¡°But I wanted to bring it for you. So you don¡¯t forget to eat. You don¡¯t always have to be strong on your own, Sienna.¡± His words sparked something strange in my chest. For a fleeting moment, I wanted to send him away, tell him all this was too much. But the sandwiches smelled intoxicating, and my stomach growled in protest. 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 76 49% ¡°I¡¯m still in pajamas,¡± I muttered, more to myself than to him. ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful,¡± he replied easily, as though the words carried no weight at all. I sighed, finally closing the door and walking slowly to the table. Liam was already seated, sliding one of the sandwiches toward
¡°Sit. Eat. You¡¯ll faint otherwise,¡± he said, unwrapping his own. With reluctant steps, I sat down. The sandwich was massive, stuffed with an omelet, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh greens. I took a tentative bite. Warm. Delicious. And annoyingly¡­forting. The apartment, usually steeped in silence, now felt crowded by his presence. A presence so vivid, so alive, it seemed to seep into every corner of the air. The smell of toasted bread, eggs, and bacon mingled with the scent of coffee, pushing out thevender soap from my bedroom that usually lingered through my mornings. Liam sat across from me, his movements calm yet deliberate. His hands moved with practiced ease as he unwrapped his meal, as if he had done this a hundred times before, right here. There was something unsettling about that. This tiny dining table had always been a space of solitude-just me and a cup of tea, sometimes a notebook, or the too-bright glow of my phone screen. Now it was suddenly crowded, not only with food, but with something heavier: memories, and the echoes of what we once were. I tried to steady my breathing, but my heart was racing too fast. How absurd, that one unexpected visit, two grocery bags, could alter everything. I had never asked for this. Never nned it. Yet in the quiet, I couldn¡¯t deny that his presence made the room feel less cold. My gaze dropped to the sandwich in front of me. The brown paper wrapping was slightly oily, and the savory scent of bacon drifted from its folds. My stomach clenched again, reminding me how long it had been since Ist ate. Still, I resisted, letting the hunger serve as a shield, a way to buy time. My eyes roamed around the apartment-the bookshelf in the corner, the small potted nt near the window that was nearly withered, the in white walls. All signs of how long I had been living alone, rebuilding my rhythm without him. And now, with such ease, he had stepped back in, bringing food, a smile, and something that threatened to crack through the walls I¡¯d built. I sped my hands in myp, trying to quiet the tremor that shouldn¡¯t be there. A warmth crept into my chest, mixed with a bitterness I couldn¡¯t name. It felt like standing on the edge of the shore-wavespping gently at my feet, but with the knowledge that at any moment they could pull me under. Liam didn¡¯t say anything else, but his presence was loud enough. The simple way he arranged the drinks on the table felt like an intrusion, yet it stirred something inside me. I was used to silence. To the kind of quiet that sometimes felt like istion. And now, with just a little noise at this table, my small world seemed to pulse with life again. I closed my eyes for a moment, drawing in a long breath. There was a part of me that wanted to cling to distance, to the reasons why I had shut the door so tightly all this time. But there was another part-frailer, more human-that longed for even the smallest shred of togetherness. When I opened my eyes again, the sandwich was still there, waiting patiently, just like Liam who sat in silence, not pressing me. 11:22 AM Tue 2 Sep 76 49% Their presence-both the food and him-felt like a test. I swallowed hard, bracing myself for a small decision that was actually much bigger than just breakfast. I reached for the orange juice first, my fingers trembling slightly as they touched the chill of the stic bottle. The taste was fresh as the sweet tang slid down my throat, as though my body itself sighed in relief at finally being given something. But behind that freshness, another realization crept in: I was no longer alone this morning. ¡°Don¡¯t make a habit of this, Liam!¡± I muttered, still chewing. He chuckled. ¡°This is what I want, and you don¡¯t have the right to forbid me froming again and again.¡¯ I stared at him hard. His smile didn¡¯t falter. That smile was infuriating. Too confident. ¡°If I tell security you¡¯re disturbing my peace, would you still say this is what you want?¡± I asked, leaning back into my chair, trying to mask the faint tremor in my voice-a kind of nervousness I couldn¡¯t exin. GET IT N.. Sincerity 77 Sienna¡¯s POV ¡°If it came to that, then I¡¯d have to ask permission properly from security, wouldn¡¯t I?¡± he said, popping a piece of sandwich into his mouth casually, as though we were having a lighthearted chat, not standing on the fragile edge between the past and wounds that had never fully healed. I sighed, rolling my eyes. But there was nothing more I could say. Silently, I studied him. The way he ate, the way he sat as if he owned the ce, even the way he gazed out my apartment window as though it were his, too. Maybe once, it really had been. ¡°Why are you like this, Liam?¡± I blurted suddenly, unable to hold it back. ¡°Why do you keeping, keep pushing your way in, as if you have the right to stay by my side?¡± He turned slowly. His gaze softened, grew more serious. No smile now, only a calmness that was almost painful. ¡°Because I know, Sienna,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Because I realize I destroyed the most precious thing in my life. And the only thing worse than losing you¡­ is not trying to win you back.¡± His words hit me-not loudly, but like a wound reopening. They lingered in the air, hanging like smoke that refused to be cleared away. I lowered my eyes to the table, now scattered with crumbs and crumpled brown paper, searching for something solid to keep myself from being swept away by the sudden tide. A dull ache began to spread through me, the exact same ache as an old wound I had always thought was sealed shut. But it turned out, just one sentence from him was enough to tear that thinyer wide open again. I drew a deep breath, forcing myself to steady the erratic rhythm of my heartbeat. It felt like being trapped between two colliding worlds-the past full of fractures, and the present I had fought to hold together so I wouldn¡¯t fall apart. His presence blurred everything, as though the boundary line I had drawn with such effort was fading away. Liam still sat across from me, calm, unhurried. His face was no longer adorned with that infuriating smile, but something heavier, more honest. And it was that honesty that made it harder to breathe. A part of me wanted to cover my ears, run, lock every door so he could nevere in again. But another part-the part that once knew the warmth of his hand in mine-couldn¡¯t simply turn away. I turned toward the window, letting my eyes rest on the pale morning sky. Outside, the world moved on, oblivious to the small drama unfolding in my apartment. People walked, cars passed, birds perched on electric wires. It all felt distant, almost foreign. Meanwhile, I was trapped at a tiny dining table with someone who had once been the center of my life-and was now the reason I had learned to stand on my own. Memories surfaced uninvited. Laughter in the kitchen that used to echo through these walls, footsteps chasing each other down the hallway, even the simple moments when we argued about who should wash the dishes. They came like small waves, soft but relentless. And I hated admitting it-but I missed some of it. 11:23 AM Tue 2 Sep 77 49% Yet longing didn¡¯t mean going back. The scars he left were still there, real, unable to be erased by one breakfast and a few words of regret. I knew that. I reminded myself of it, again and again-that choosing distance was a way of loving myself. And yet, my body betrayed my mind. My fingers gripped the edge of the table too tightly, as if it were the only anchor keeping me from slipping. My breath came heavier, and every time I nced at his face, a faint tremor ran through me that I couldn¡¯t suppress. He was still there, present, with a gaze too sincere for me to reject outright. Time moved slowly. Each second stretched long, trapping me in a silence that grew heavier by the moment. The ticking of the wall clock echoed sharply, mixing with the faint hum of the city beyond the window. And here, at this table, sat two hearts-both scarred, both searching for direction. I rubbed my temple, lowering my gaze, trying to contain the storm inside me. There were no words that could capture how agonizing it was to be caught in this moment-torn between mming the door shut forever, or leaving the smallest crack open for something I wasn¡¯t even sure I could face again. In the midst of that confusion, I could only remain quiet. Letting time speak for me. Letting his presence rattle the silence I had worked so hard to build. I turned my face toward the window, letting my eyes rest on the city skyline, hazy beneath the morning light. I didn¡¯t know what to say, didn¡¯t know what to feel. I was no longer the same woman I once was. My wounds had shaped me into someone harder, more guarded, more afraid to give hope. ¡°I¡¯m not the same person anymore,¡± I finally said. ¡°I know,¡± Liam replied quickly. ¡°But I didn¡¯te here to ask you to be who you were. I¡¯m here¡­ because I want to know you again. From the start. With the wounds we carry, with the reality we have now.¡± A bitterugh escaped me. ¡°You think it¡¯s that simple?¡± ¡°No,¡± he said honestly. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯lle again tomorrow.¡± I shot him a sharp look. ¡°Liam¡­¡± But he rose, gathering the empty wrappers and tossing them into the trash. Then, from the pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a folded sheet of paper-sky blue, decorated with balloons and smiling children. ¡°This is for you,¡± he said, turning and handing it to me. ¡°From Noah¡¯s school.¡± I took it with a lifted brow. The moment I unfolded it, my eyes caught on the bold, cheerful letters: ¡°Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony Invitation.¡± Beneath it were the date, time, and venue. ¡°What is this?¡± I asked. ¡°An invitation for parents. Noah wants you to be there,¡± he said simply. Calm, yet with a weight behind his words. I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening slightly around the paper. My heart seemed to stop for a beat. Lifting my gaze, I stared at him. ¡°But isn¡¯t Emily there? Isn¡¯t she the one who¡¯s his mother now?¡± 11:23 AM Tue 2 Sep 77 Liam went silent. His eyes dimmed, and a fragile stillness spread between us. Awkward. Unsettling. ¡°She isn¡¯t you,¡± he finally murmured. ¡°For Noah, the name written down as his mother¡­ is still you, Sienna.¡± 49% I froze. My breath caught. A sudden tightness filled my chest, and I turned my face away, trying to hide the storm rising within me. Old wounds hummed, awake again. ¡°I know you¡¯re not ready,¡± Liam continued softly. ¡°But¡­ will you at least consider it? Just for Noah¡¯s sake.¡± I said nothing. Liam sat back down across from me, his gaze unwavering, cutting deep. ¡°Come,¡± he whispered. ¡°Noah¡¯s waiting for you.¡± 11:23 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 78 Sienna¡¯s POV ? 49% I drew in a long breath. My eyes lingered on the invitation as if it could somehow hand me an answer. Then, slowly, I set it back down on the table. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± I finally murmured, my voice nearly drowned out by the mor echoing inside my own chest. Liam gave a small nod, as though that alone was enough for him. ¡°Alright,¡± he said softly. ¡°That¡¯s enough for now.¡± I nced at my half-finished breakfast. The thick sandwich that had seemed unappetizing earlier now tasted like nothing on my tongue. But I didn¡¯t want to hear another lecture from Liam, so I forced myself to take one more small bite. ¡°Finish your breakfast, Sienna,¡± he said with a faint smile one that, strangely, was beginning to look familiar again in my eyes. I nodded silently, sipping from my cup of tea that had already cooled. Unease crept into me as I noticed Liam still sitting there, leaningfortably against the chair back as if this were his own home. I inhaled slowly, trying to steady the frantic rhythm of my heartbeat. The blue invitation stilly on the table, motionless yet throbbing somehow, sending waves into my thoughts. The simple words written there tore through the fragileyers I had worked so hard to build. It was as if someone had pried open a door I had locked tightly, letting in an unfamiliar light without permission. Lowering my gaze, I stared at the sandwich in my hand. It was nd, almost impossible to swallow, but I forced it down anyway, unwilling to let Liam use me of weakness. Between every reluctant bite, my thoughts spun rejecting, weighing, yearning all at once. Noah. His name alone was enough to make my chest tremble, to ignite the longing I had buried deep within. Leaning back in my chair, I let the fatigue seep into me. Across the table, Liam remained, calm as ever, seemingly unaffected by my difort. I could feel his presence pressing into my space, threading through the very air I breathed. There was a time when I had been used to this back when we still belonged to each other, back when words between us didn¡¯t carry distance and scars. Now, his presence only made me more aware of the chasm that had formed. I shifted my eyes toward the window. The sky was brightening, sunlight slipping gently through the thin curtains. The sound of traffic grew louder, blending with the hum of the waking city, Life outside carried on as usual, untouched by the small storm ying out in this apartment. The contrast stung. My hand, almost on its own, reached again for the invitation, unfolding the simple paper. My eyes traced over the cheerful words as though they bore no weight. ¡°Kindergarten Graduation Farewell.¡± The phrase lodged itself in my mind, echoing like the voice of a child calling out. I imagined Noah tiny in his little uniform, smiling as he waved from the stage. The image caught in my throat, tightening it. I folded the invitation shut quickly, afraid of letting myself drift too far into the picture. But even closed, the image lingered inside me. Something quivered in my chest, a mix of longing and fear tangled together. I rose from my chair, walking slowly toward the kitchen, trying to escape Liam¡¯s gaze, which felt too heavy to bear. Setting the 11:23 AM Tue 2 Sep 78 49% empty te in the sink, I turned on the faucet, letting the water run without touching it. The sound of the stream was a smallfort, masking the unsettled pounding of my heart. Lowering my head, I rested my hands on the edge of the sink. In the faint reflection on a wet te, I caught a glimpse of my own face. Lines of weariness. Tension I couldn¡¯t hide. The old wounds weren¡¯t visible, but I felt them in every breath I drew. After a while, I returned to the dining table, taking in the room now bathed in morning light. Everything looked ordinary chairs, table, teacup yet something had shifted. Liam¡¯s presence had dragged back memories I¡¯d tried to bury. The warmth that once existed. The betrayal that could never be erased. I sank back into my chair, my gaze falling on the invitation again. The hardest part of all this wasn¡¯t Liam¡¯s presence it was the truth that my heart was still fragile whenever it came to Noah. That little boy was the one gap in my defenses, the single reason I could still be shaken. Closing my eyes, I let out a long, slow breath. I didn¡¯t yet know what choice I would make, didn¡¯t know if I was strong enough to be there that day. All I knew was that right now, I stood at another crossroads. ¡°Why are you still here?¡± I asked softly, trying to keep my tone neutral. Liam turned his head, meeting my gaze without hesitation. ¡°Because I still want to be here.¡± I frowned. ¡°But¡­ weren¡¯t you just here to give me this invitation?¡± He nodded, unbothered. ¡°Yes. But I also wanted to make sure you ate. You looked like someone who hadn¡¯t slept all night.¡± I sighed, ncing at the wall clock. Eight-twenty. My head felt as though it might split open. ¡°Liam, you don¡¯t have to.¡± ¡°I know,¡± he cut in quickly. ¡°I don¡¯t have to. But I want to.¡± I looked at him. ¡°You can¡¯t keep doing this. Showing up whenever you want, acting as if¡­¡± ¡°As if what?¡± he asked calmly. I didn¡¯t answer. The words were too painful to finish. As if there were still us. As if none of this had ever ended. Liam didn¡¯t push me for a reply. He just sat there, watching me in silence. Somehow, his presence made this small room feel full. I went back to chewing my sandwich, faster this time, just so I could hurry and tell him to leave. But when I looked at him again, he smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re done,¡± he said softly. ¡°To make sure I don¡¯t leave a single crumb?¡± I asked sarcastically. He chuckled quietly, ¡°No. But so I know you can still take care of yourself.¡± His words cut deep. I lowered my gaze, unwilling to let him see the change in my expression. I was strong enough. I didn¡¯t need protection from anyone. Not even from the one person I had once trusted most and who had 11:23 AM Tue 2 Sep 78 49% hurt me most. And yet, Liam¡¯s presence today¡­ it was like slicing open a sealed door in time. Letting old memories seep back in through cracks I thought I had shut for good. Strangely, I didn¡¯t immediately tell him to leave. I just sat there, chewingzily, while he waited. I kept my eyes down, trying to swallow thest bite of a breakfast that now tasted utterly nd. Each chew felt like a weight, no longer just a simple morning routine but a burden pressing into me. What stung more was the bitter awareness that I hadn¡¯t chased him out. I let him stay, with that calm gaze of his, as though this home still remembered him as though I still remembered him. His presence carried an uncanny weight, like shards of the past forced into the room I had tried so carefully to keep free of memories. I had fought so hard to build a world without him a world perhaps imperfect, but safe enough to protect me from old wounds. Yet now, with him sitting only a few steps away, all of it felt threatened. GET IT N¡­ 11:23 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 79 79 79 Sienna¡¯s POV 6 49% I stared at the table, tracing its spotless surface, noticing the faint ring left behind by the cooled cup of tea. That small detail only deepened my emptiness, as if I had to cling to trivial things just to avoid being swept away by a stronger current. A hidden longing stirred, one I refused to name a longing for a life that once felt so familiar, but had always been edged with thorns. Slowly, I realized how difficult it was to draw a sharp line between wanting to shut the door forever and wanting to leave it slightly open. His presence wasn¡¯t wholly disturbing, but it didn¡¯t bringfort either. It felt like sitting between two worlds: the one that had ended, and the one that had yet to take shape. I finished thest of my breakfast halfheartedly, swallowing the cold tea. It was bitter, stinging against my tongue. And still, my eyes tried to avoid his figure. But in the silence, I only became more aware of how much space he filled. Even without words, Liam¡¯s presence seemed to reach every corner, refusing to be forgotten. I leaned back, letting the chair carry the weight pressing against my shoulders. A long breath slipped out, though it wasn¡¯t nearly enough to release what I carried. I felt trapped in a space that should be mine alone, now split by a past that had suddenly walked back in. Part of me wanted to stand, open the door, and tell him to go. But another part softer, weaker kept me sitting, as though I were waiting for something undefined. I hated admitting it. I hated that this version of me, the one who had worked so hard to grow stronger, could still waver just because of his presence. My gaze shifted to the invitation lying on the table. That in piece of paper was now a tether I couldn¡¯t easily sever. Noah. That name always lit something inside me. And as long as he existed, I couldn¡¯t truly close the doorpletely. Time moved painfully slow. The clock on the wall ticked on, filling the silence neither of us attempted to break. I let myself drown in that emptiness, my thoughts circling endlessly. About pain, about longing, about the possibilities still too faint to define. I knew, eventually, I would have to decide either close the door firmly or allow the crack to remain. But for now, I just sat there, with the shadow that refused to leave, with a heart still too hesitant to choose a path. Then Liam rose from his seat. Without a word, he began moving slowly around my apartment, his eyes sweeping over everything the small kitchen that blended into the living room, the wide window leading to the balcony, the ceiling, the corners of the walls. I frowned. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, suspicious. He didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he walked toward the small sink in the corner of the kitchen, turned the faucet on, and watched the water run. ¡°Does the water flow properly?¡± he asked suddenly, ncing at me with an unexpectedly serious tone. I stared at him in disbelief. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Did the roof leak when it rained heavilyst week?¡± he continued, looking up as if inspecting the ceiling. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 79 49% I put my cup down. ¡°Liam, seriously?¡± Instead of answering, he walked over to the balcony door and opened it a little, checking that the hinges didn¡¯t stick. ¡°Do your neighbors make noise? Do they bother you at night?¡± I rose from my chair, unease creeping in. ¡°Liam, this is my apartment. I live here because I chose to live here. Not because I¡¯m in some emergency situation.¡± He turned back, and though his face remained calm, I could see the real concern behind his eyes. ¡°I know. But I just want to make sure you¡¯refortable here. This ce¡­ it¡¯s too small for you.¡± I crossed my arms. ¡°Too small ording to who? I¡¯m perfectlyfortable.¡± ¡°But if you¡¯re notfortable¡­¡± He paused, looking at me intently. ¡°I could buy you a house. Maybe by the beach. You like ces like that, don¡¯t you? Quiet, away from all the city noise.¡± I stared at him as if he had just spoken anothernguage. ¡°What?¡± ¡°A small house, with a backyard. You could fall asleep to the sound of waves every night,¡± he went on with a faint smile, as though he were selling a dream. ¡°You could work from there. Or write, or do whatever you want without interruptions.¡± I shook my head slowly. ¡°Liam, you need to stop.¡± ¡°Why?¡± he asked softly. ¡°Because this isn¡¯t your job anymore,¡± I said, forcing my voice to stay steady. ¡°I don¡¯t need youing here and checking on my life. I don¡¯t need a new house. I don¡¯t need someone to inspect my faucets.¡± He went quiet for a moment. Then he looked at me, his expression full of sincerity that only made my chest ache. ¡°I know. But let me do it, just once in a while.¡± I met his eyes. ¡°And after once in a while, then what? You expect me to open the door a little wider next time? Invite you in sooner? Let you stay longer? Sleep on the couch? What¡¯s your n, Liam?¡± He lowered his gaze briefly, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I don¡¯t have a n that far ahead. I just know that every time I¡¯m near you, I feel calmer. And I want to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± I took a deep breath. Too deep. ¡°I don¡¯t want your pity.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t pity you, Sienna. I respect you. I know you can take care of yourself. But is it alright if I¡¯m still around?¡± I looked away, down at the floor. ¡°I don¡¯t need a beach house, Liam,¡± I said quietly. ¡°What I need right now is space. Space to breathe. Without the shadows of the past clinging to my back.¡± He stayed silent. For a long time. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 79 Finally, in a voice so low it was almost a whisper, he said, ¡°Alright. But if one day you do need me just say so.¡± 6 49% I didn¡¯t reply. Because that day might nevere. Liam let out a soft sigh, then smiled a smile that wasn¡¯t as bright as the one from earlier that morning. ¡°Alright,¡± he said gently. ¡°I¡¯ll go, Sienna. I think I¡¯ve stayed long enough.¡± I didn¡¯t answer, only stood frozen in ce. My chest felt tight, but I couldn¡¯t name the feeling. But before he actually stepped out, he turned back onest time, his gaze fixed on me. ¡°But I wille again. Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after. I don¡¯t care if you keep pushing me away.¡± My eyes widened. I wanted to say something, but no words came. Liam only gave me a small smile before finally leaving, closing the door softly behind him. I sank back into my chair, staring at the door now shut tight. It felt as though something long locked away had been forced open, just a little. That terrified me. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 80 80 49% 80 Sienna¡¯s POV I drew in a long breath and slowly sat back down on the chair. My hands clutched the coffee cup that had long gone cold. For some reason, the apartment felt emptier than usual. And I hated admitting that. I sat still at the dining table, still cluttered with the remnants of the breakfast Liam had brought earlier. The half-eaten sandwich had lost its warmth. The coffee in my cup was cold, its taste t now. Yet I kept holding on to it, as if it were the only tangible thing I could cling to today. Liam¡¯s words still echoed in my head. ¡°I¡¯lle again, even if you keep driving me away.¡± Why didn¡¯t he ever grow tired? Why did he keeping, keep waiting, keep smiling, even though I had made it clear over and over that I didn¡¯t want him here? Or maybe I was only pretending not to? I turned my face toward the window. The sea stretched out calm in the distance, the sky a cloudless blue hanging wide above, and the breeze carried its familiar briny scent. This view should have soothed me. But today, it only made my chest feel tighter. I swallowed the air slowly, though it suddenly felt heavy, as if the entire room had shrunk and was caging me in. The wooden chair beneath me was cold, making me realize how stiffly I was sitting here. The cup in my hands grew colder still, but I held onto it tightly, like someone terrified of losing something simple, even if it no longer gave anything back. Liam was gone. His voice had disappeared. Yet his presence lingered in the air, like a faint scent that refused to fade. I hated that. I hated how my apartment, which usually felt enough, now turned into a space haunted by echoes of memory. As if every corner still carried his footsteps. The dining table in front of me was proof that my life was far from tidy. Crumbs scattered across its surface, a piece of sandwich sat abandoned, its filling nearly slipping out, and a crumpled napkin clung to an empty te. All of it reminded me that someone had been here, making a small mess. A mess that, strangely, had left behind a warmth I didn¡¯t want to acknowledge. I inhaled deeply, trying to banish the images, but my mind refused. Instead, they sharpened. His smile. His gaze. The cadence of his voice when he spoke softly, as if he knew exactly how to slip past the walls I¡¯d built. And damn it, I could feel those walls cracking bit by bit. I rose slowly from the chair, ced the cup into the sink without any real intention of washing it. The drip of water from the faucet sounded loud in this silence. Each tiny drop was like a reminder, echoing again and again, that I was alone. The quiet spread, not just across the room but deep inside my chest. I walked toward therge window. The sheer curtains swayed gently with the breeze. From here, the sea shimmered under sunlight, glittering but distant. So very distant. I pressed my palm against the ss, its chill seeping into my skin. I wished that calmness could seep into me as well, but instead, the gap between what I saw and what I felt grew even clearer. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 80 49% There was an emptiness I couldn¡¯t fill. Not with coffee, not with books, not with work. Not even with the ocean view. An emptiness once filled by someone who had no business knocking on my door again. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the throb at my temples. Trying to convince myself that I was strong, that I could live without anyone. I¡¯d made it this far, hadn¡¯t I? But why did his leaving just now make this ce feel lonelier than ever before? I returned to the table, tidying the leftovers in automatic motions. Tossing the sandwich into the trash, gathering napkins, stacking tes neatly to one side. Small gestures, as if I could still control something. If I couldn¡¯t control my heart, at least I could control the neatness of the table. But when I sat down again, the emptiness remained. Sharper now. I lowered my gaze to the bare table I had just cleared and realized the peace I was chasing never really came. All that remained was a silent room with the faint traces of someone who had already gone, leaving my heart cracked open, just a little but enough to make me afraid of myself. Liam. For years, I had taught myself to live without him. I rebuilt myself from the shards of a heart he had broken. I learned to breathe without depending on the oxygen of his presence. I learned to arrange a life, to ept that he had chosen someone else. That he built a home and a new family-without me in it. And now he hade back with all the memories, the regrets, and perhaps the hope. I looked down at the small invitation he had left on the table. A kindergarten graduation for Noah. His name written there, like a time bomb. Forcing me to face a truth I had long denied¡ªthat I was his mother. Biologically, yes. But in role? I felt like a stranger in Noah¡¯s life. The child I gave birth to, the one I longed for in silence, but never dared to reach for because the guilt was too deep. Liam had said Noah was waiting for me. That sentence pierced me more than anything. To picture Noah standing among other children, ncing toward the doorway, hoping to see his mother¡¯s face-my face. I didn¡¯t know if I was strong enough to fulfill that hope. But hadn¡¯t I spent all these years trying to be strong? Hadn¡¯t I moved here, far from the city, to begin again? Wasn¡¯t it time to face things, instead of hiding forever? I rose from the chair and walked slowly into the kitchen. Turned on the faucet and rinsed the coffee cup, washed the te from breakfast. My hands were busy, but my thoughts stayed tangled around Liam. He was different. I didn¡¯t know since when, but the look in his eyes, the way he spoke, even the way heughed none of it was the same as before. Back then he had been cold, distant, never really understanding what I needed. But now he carried with him a kind of quietness, a matured silence, and a care that felt unforced. As though he had weathered his own storms and returned with wounds as deep as mine. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 80 49% But was that change enough for me to open my heart again? I walked over to the sofa and sank into it, clutching a small pillow against my chest. I was exhausted. The emotions of the day had piled up too high, shredding the fragile calm I had tried to hold onto. His sudden appearance had unsettled everything. And yet, beneath the irritation, there was a small, stubborn part of me I refused to acknowledge-one that felt strangely d. d that he came. d that he remembered me. d that he still thought of me as a part of Noah¡¯s life. ¡°Don¡¯t make a habit of this, Liam,¡± I whispered to myself, repeating the words I¡¯d said aloud earlier. But who was I really warning? Him? Or myself? GET IT N¡­ 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 81 81 ? 49% 81 Sienna¡¯s POV Because if I were honest, I knew I could never truly shut Liam outpletely. He was the wound that had never quite healed. And part of me still clung to the memories of what we once had. My gaze returned to the invitation lying on the table. Next week. There was still time. Maybe I would go. Maybe I wouldn¡¯t. But at least now I knew Noah wanted me there. And that was enough to make me wonder if I was ready to open the door I had kept locked for so long. I picked up the invitation again, tracing the stiff edge of the paper with my fingertips. The print was simple, no borate flourishes-just the date, the ce, the names of two people about to bind their lives on an important day. But for me, this piece of paper carried more weight than any ordinary invitation. It was a door. A door I could leave shut, or open just a crack, letting the past seep back in. Next week. It felt close, yet far enough to leave me restless each passing day until it arrived. I knew myself-I would obsess over it, in between reading, working, even as I tried to sleep. My mind would spin endlessly, weighing what it would mean if I went and what it would mean if I stayed. I set the invitation back on the table, but my eyes wouldn¡¯t leave it. As if that small object had its own gravity, pulling all of my attention in. I hated how much power a simple piece of paper held over me. My head filled with the image of Noah¡¯s face-his quietugh, the way he had once looked at the world as if nothing was beyond his reach, and the way he used to look at me, certain that I was part of his life. What would I see in his eyes now, if I went? Would there still be warmth left? Or only the cold distance carved by time and wounds left unattended? I gripped the edge of the table, pressing my palm into the wood. Solid. Unchanging. Unlike my heart, which wavered. A part of me wanted to shut it all down, to simply avoid it. Not go, not reopen old wounds, not let anyone-especially Liam-see how fragile I truly was. My life here was quiet, safe. Why risk shaking it apart? But another part of me, the small restless part, whispered: You still care. You still want to see them. You still want to know that even if everything changed, you haven¡¯t disappearedpletely from their story. I stood and walked to the bookshelf, trying to distract myself. My fingers brushed the spines of old books, some gathering dust. None of them called to me. Even the pages that once drowned me in other worlds now felt hollow. My thoughts kept drifting back to the invitation. I closed my eyes for a moment, searching myself to see if I was truly ready. The answer came in silence-sharp and heavy. I didn¡¯t know. I really didn¡¯t know. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 49% 81 The only thing I did know was this: whatever choice I made, it would change something. Maybe small, maybe big. But it would leave a mark. I opened my eyes again, staring at the invitation once more. My breath felt heavy, but a sliver of courage flickered quietly in my chest. I didn¡¯t have to decide today. Next week was still far enough. ** The afternoon sun dipped slowly, light scattering across the sea in golden glimmers, almost magical. I stood on the balcony, letting the wind brush against my face. Maybe tonight I would write. Or maybe I would just sit there, watching the ocean, trying to piece my thoughts back together. The shrill ring of my phone shattered the quiet in the living room. I turned from theptop screen, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. My draft still unfinished, my mind still tangled in the morning¡¯s shadows. Liliana¡¯s name glowed on the screen. I inhaled deeply before answering. ¡°Hello?¡± I said softly. ¡°Sienna! What are you doing?¡± Liliana¡¯s voice burst through, bright and cheerful as always-far too lively for this hour. A small smile tugged at my lips. ¡°Writing. And you? What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m bored. You know me¡ªif I go a week without ranting, I¡¯ll explode,¡± she said dramatically. ¡°Come on, entertain me. Or give me some juicy gossip.¡± I chuckled quietly, sinking into the sofa. ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯m no gossip machine. My life¡¯s far too boring for that.¡± ¡°Ah, really?¡± she teased. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me someone came over to your apartment and you secretly have a crush on him?¡± I went quiet for a moment. Not because I didn¡¯t know what to say, but because part of her words felt far too close to the truth. Liliana immediately caught my silence. ¡°Wait seriously? Someone dide?¡± her voice shifted into something sharper, serious now. I bit my lower lip, then let out a sigh. ¡°Liam came this morning.¡± A sharp intake of breath echoed on the other end. ¡°Liam? As in, Liam-your ex-husband?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°Oh my God, what was he doing there?¡± I closed myptop, set it on the table, and walked toward the window. The faint sound of waves drifted in from outside. ¡°He just showed up. Brought breakfast, sat casually in my kitchen, and started asking weird questions like whether the water runs fine, if the roof leaks, if the neighbors are noisy.¡± Liliana let out a long breath. ¡°Wow. So he¡¯s pretending to be some kind of handyman now?¡± 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 49% I chuckled. ¡°Worse. He said if I wasn¡¯tfortable here, he¡¯d buy me a quieter house by the beach.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Liliana nearly shouted. ¡°He was serious?¡± ¡°I think so,¡± I murmured, hugging myself. ¡°Liam has changed. But his presence still shakes me.¡¯ Liliana fell silent for a few beats before finally asking softly, ¡°You still love him, don¡¯t you?¡± The question was like a small nail driven straight into the most fragile part of me. I didn¡¯t answer right away. I just kept staring outside, at the wide stretch of sea that seemed to be questioning my heart along with her. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I whispered atst. ¡°Maybe part of me still isn¡¯t finished with him.¡± Liliana didn¡¯t judge. She didn¡¯t interrupt. She just offered silence, the kind that felt like an embrace. ¡°I¡¯m scared,¡± I admitted. ¡°I¡¯m scared that if I let him in again, I¡¯ll break all over again. But I¡¯m also scared of shutting him outpletely because maybe, some part of me is still hoping.¡± 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep Sincerity 82 82 49% 82 Sienna¡¯s POV I was still silent after sharing my worries with Liliana. ¡°You¡¯re human, Sienna. You¡¯re allowed to hope. You¡¯re allowed to be afraid. But you also have the right to be happy. If Liam truly has changed, and you feel there¡¯s a small space to trust again then you¡¯re allowed to try,¡± Liliana said, her voice tinged with concern. A small smile touched my lips, though tears threatened to fall. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Always,¡± she replied softly. ¡°But if he hurts you again, I¡¯ll find him, drag him to the sea, and drown him against the reef.¡± Iughed, genuinely this time. ¡°You¡¯re so dramatic.¡± ¡°But you still love him, don¡¯t you?¡± she teased with augh. I rubbed my face. ¡°I¡¯m still learning to make peace.¡± That felt enough for the day. After ending the call with Liliana, I stared at the dimming screen of my phone. The call had been brief, yet it felt like opening a valve I had kept tightly shut. The feelings I had kept buried finally spilled out, and somehow I felt a little lighter. I walked to the kitchen, opened the cupboard, and pulled out a cup. I made myself coffee-not because I needed the caffeine, but because my hands needed something to do. The day moved slowly, while my mind was still stuck in the morning. Her words lingered, making me sigh in frustration. Not because she had said anything unreasonable. But because it was Liam. He had always been like that. Always believing every problem could be solved with something practical, with money, or simply with his presence. I stood in the kitchen, staring at the thin steam rising from my cup of coffee. Its aroma filled my senses, though it couldn¡¯t quite erase the heaviness in my head. I stirred it absentmindedly, as if the tiny circle of a spoon could somehow untangle the knots inside me. But instead, everything only grew sharper. Liam. His name kept echoing in my mind like a sound bouncing inside an empty room. How could I spend years learning to stand on my own, closing every wound he had left open, only to feel fragile again in mere minutes after his return? It was as if some part of me could still copse with a single knock at the door, a single nce, a single act of care he carried. I moved back to the dining table and looked at the remnants of breakfast, now cold. The sandwich I had touched earlier no longer held any appeal. I tossed it in the trash, as if discarding it could erase his presence from my home. But I knew-it wasn¡¯t that simple. Liam¡¯s trace clung to me, embedded in corners of memories I hadn¡¯t realized still existed. As I sat down, my eyes fell on the invitation still lying there. That in sheet of paper seemed to count down the days toward something inevitable. Noah. Our son. He was getting married, beginning his new life, and of course, he wanted both his parents 1:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 82 49% present, standing by his side, even if no longer together. Such a simple request, yet it felt like a heavy test. Because my presence also meant epting that Liam would always be near him. I raised the cup to my lips, sipping carefully. The taste was bitter-sharper than usual. Maybe because my tongue was already coated with bitterness of a different kind. Bitter because I was caught between wanting distance and wanting to reach again for something long lost. Outside the window, the sea shimmered under the midday sun. The wind carried its familiar salty scent, slipping in along with the light filtering through the thin curtains. I had always loved that view. The sea gave me the illusion of freedom, as though I could run toward it whenever I wanted, as though its vastness could contain all of my unrest. But this time, the sea only reminded me of what was out of reach. Of unfinished feelings. Of wounds that hadn¡¯t healed. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes for a moment. Memories resurfaced, like an old film being yed again. Our I knew I was stronger now. I had learned to live alone, to build my rhythm, to create a space entirely my own. But Liam¡¯s presence this morning felt like tearing down the walls I had built so carefully. And what angered me-at him, but even more at myself-was the realization that I didn¡¯t truly want him gone. I set the cup down, staring nkly at the invitation once more. Maybe Liliana was right, I deserved to be happy. But happiness was never simple when it involved Liam. There was always a price, always a risk I had to bear. And I wasn¡¯t sure if I was strong enough to carry it again. I didn¡¯t need a new house. I didn¡¯t need a prettier view than the one I already had. What I needed was space. Distance. Time to breathe, to understand myself without his shadow drifting like a fog. I carried the cup out to the balcony. The sea breeze greeted me, tousling my loose hair. I curled up in the wicker chair, hugging my knees, letting my gaze wander to the horizon. In a ce like this, I should have felt at peace. Yet instead, it was here that my wounds began to speak again. Liam had never truly left my mind. Even after the painful separation, even after every effort to erase him from my life, the bitter truth was he was still there. This morning, when he sat in my kitchen, bringing sandwiches, it felt as though we had never parted. As though all those wounds were nothing more than a bad dream. I can¡¯t let myself be fooled again. Yet some part of me wants to believe. I want to give him a chance. I want to know if maybe the universe is offering me a second path I never imagined before. I take a sip of the coffee. Bitter. No sugar, like my heart-still far from healed. Closing my eyes, I try to recall all the bad things that happened between us. The fights, his absence when I needed him, the despair, the fear that haunted the final days of our marriage. But the memory that surfaces instead is his gaze this morning. Warm, hopeful, tinged with uncertainty. 11:24 AM Tue 2 Sep 82 Liam¡¯s gaze. The one that once made me fall in love. Sincerity 83 83 Sienna¡¯s POV I open my eyes. No. This isn¡¯t the time to drown in the past. I came here to rebuild my life, not to get tangled in an old story that may never be fixed. But I also can¡¯t lie to myself. There¡¯s something different about him. Whether it¡¯s only my imagination or a real change in him¡ªI don¡¯t know. What I do know is that my body still trembles whenever hear his name. I don¡¯t want to give him false hope. But I also can¡¯t tell him to stop¨Cnot because I like it, but because I don¡¯t even know what I feel. The truth isn¡¯t always yes or no. Sometimes the truth lives in the pause, in the hesitation, in the silence. That¡¯s where I am now. I let out a long breath. If Liam truly wants to mend things, he¡¯ll have to be patient. Because this time I won¡¯t -throw myself into the fire just because he ims the mes have gone out. I need to be sure first¨Cthat this wound is worth healing That the one standing with him is a whole version of me, not the half¨Cdead remnant of false hope. The sky is fading, the sun melting into the horizon. The wind picks up, carrying the salt of the sea and a chill that bites into my skin. But I don¡¯t want to go inside. I just want to sit here, alone. With my thoughts. With a Heart still learning to make peace with the past, not yet ready to wee the future. One thing is certain, whatever happens next, I want it to be my choice. Without pressure. Without force. Without shadows looming toorge. Just me and my decision. If Liam is still out there, waiting, then let him wait. Until I¡¯m ready¨Cnot to return, but to choose with clear eyes. With wounds stitched shut, and a love no longer blind. The sound of the wind and crashing waves, usually mypanions in the evening, is suddenly broken by noise outside the apartment. Hurried footsteps mixed with the tter of something falling. I frown, listening carefully. Not Liam¨CI know his stride by heart, and this isn¡¯t it. Lighter. More chaotic. I finally stand and walk slowly to the balcony. From there, I see a middle¨Caged man¨Cmaybe the owner of the small shop down the street¨Cstruggling with boxes illed with bottles. Some have spilled, ss rolling across the concrete, ¡°Oh no.¡± I murmur without thinking. He looks up, sweat on his face despite the cool evening dr. ¡°Ah, sorry. So noisy, wasn¡¯t it?¡± I offer a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Do you want me to help?¡± He hesitates, then gives a sheepish smile. ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble.¡± I step outside, down a few stairs toward the courtyard. The sea breeze rushes over me, sharp and cold, but my steps are steady. I crouch, picking up bottles that narrowly avoided breaking. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be lifting these alone. They¡¯re heavy¨Cyou could hurt yourself,¡± I say, handing him a bottle. He chuckles softly. ¡°The kids who usually help are off ying somewhere. So I thought I¡¯d just manage. Lucky you came by.¡± I return a small smile. It¡¯s been so long since I interacted with anyone outside the narrow circle of my life- Liam, Liliana, or work through aptop screen. This simple exchange, with a neighbor whose name I don¡¯t even know, feels strangely warm. ¡°What¡¯s your name? People usually call me James,¡± he says once the bottles are back in their box. ¡°Sienna.¡± ¡°Ah, perfect. A beautiful name¨Cfits this sea,¡± he replies with a kind smile. I pause, caught off guard. Rarely does a stranger offer such simple but genuine words. ¡°Thank you, Mr. James.¡± Together, we carry the box to the front of his shop. When it¡¯s done, I rub my chilled hands. ¡°If you ever need anything, don¡¯t hesitate. I¡¯ve seen you sitting alone on your balcony. Sometimes being alone is heavy.¡± His voice is quiet, but full of understanding. I froze. His words were so simple, yet they touched something deep inside me. All I could do was offer a small smile, lowering my gaze. ¡°I¡¯ll remember that, sir. Thank you. He nodded and walked back into his shop. I stood there for a few seconds, letting his words sink in ¡°Being alone is heavy.¡± Yes, I knew exactly how that felt. But perhaps, like this evening, there are moments when the world quietly offers a little help. It doesn¡¯t always have toe from Liam. It doesn¡¯t always have toe from the past. Sometimes, it could be from a stranger with nothing more than a kind smile I returned to the balcony and sat down again. The sea breeze was the same, the cold still stung, but somehow my chest felt just a little warmer. The digital clock in the corner of my screen read 3,00 am. In the middle of the room, lit only by the soft glow of the deskmp and myputer, I sat frozen, eyes locked on the page that kept growing line by line. For some reason, nights like this always made my thoughts sharper. Words flowed so easily, as though my subconscious had taken control and allowed all the emotions I¡¯d been hiding to spill out freely. My right hand kept pressing the keys, while my left propped up my heavy chin. My body was tired, but I didn¡¯t want to stop. It felt wrong to cut off the stream of ideas when they were pouring out so smoothly. Then, out of nowhere, a stabbing pain shot through my stomach. I lurched in my chair, clutching my lower abdomen as it something inside was being wrung tight. My breath grew ragged. Cold sweat trickled down my temple. It was so sudden, so sharp. Struggling to stand, I tried to make my way to the kitchen for water. Maybe it was just my gastritis ring up, maybe just hunger rebelling because I had skipped dinner. But when I opened the cupboard, all I found was an empty ss and a dry water bottle. ¡°Damn it.¡± The whisper barely escaped my lips. I turned, reaching for my phone¨Cor anything¨Cbut the pain struck again, harder this time. My legs buckled. My vision blurred. Everything grew unbearably heavy. Before I could reach the table or a chair, my body copsed onto the floor. The cold tiles met my skin. I tried to open my eyes, tried to call out a name, anyone, but no sound came. My vision dimmed, the room spun, the world receded and then darkness. Silence. I didn¡¯t know how long I would remain in that void. But in thest fleeting moment before consciousness slipped away, only one thought surfaced, I missed Noah. Sincerity 84 84 Liam¡¯s POV The clock on the nightstand read five in the morning when I woke up. The house was silent, yet my chest felt unbearably heavy. This unease wasn¡¯t like the usual kind. It was sharper, gnawing at me as though something was wrong. I sat at the edge of the bed, running both hands over my face. Normally, I would fall back asleep after waking this early, but not this time. My body refused. There was a pull¨Can invisible rm screaming inside me. I got up, walked to the window, and pushed the curtain aside. The sky outside was still draped in gray, dawn only beginning to break through the night. The cold air slipped in, brushing against my skin, but it wasn¡¯t the chill that made me shiver. It was the emptiness, the strange pull toward something I couldn¡¯t name. I tried to ignore it. I made coffee, sat at the table, turned on my phone. But even as my eyes stared at the nk screen, my mind drifted in one direction. Sienna. Her name appeared uninvited, clear and insistent. I had promised myself I would give her space, let her find her peace. Yet this time, my heart rebelled. It wouldn¡¯t stay still. I took a sip of the coffee¨Ctoo hot, tasteless on my tongue. My left hand tapped the table again and again, restless. Finally, I picked up my phone and opened her contact. Her name glowed on the screen. My finger trembled over it, afraid to press the call button. Afraid of her voice sounding cold, afraid of disturbing her, afraid of pushing her further away. But stronger than the fear was this gnawing certainty¨Cthat she was alone, facing something. Something I couldn¡¯t see but couldn¡¯t deny. I dragged a hand over my face, trying to shake it off. The more I resisted, the stronger it pressed against
  1. me. I grabbed the phone again, searched for her name, and pressed call.
The ringing tone filled my ear. Once twice three times. No answer. The call cut off on its own. Maybe she was still asleep, I told myself, clinging to the thought. Yet the heaviness in my chest only deepened. Suddenly, a small cry broke the silence from the next room. ¡°Mommy, Mommy.¡± Noah¡¯s voice,ced with sobs. I rushed in and opened the door. ¡°Noah?¡± He was sitting on his bed, tears streaming down his cheeks. The moment he saw me, he reached out, clutching my hand tightly. ¡°Daddy,¡± his voice quivered. ¡°I dreamed about Mommy. She was in pain she was hurting so bad.¡± I froze. His words sent a chill up my spine. His dream echoed my unease, the dread I¡¯d carried since waking. ¡°It was just a dream,¡± I whispered, pulling him into my arms. ¡°Just a dream.¡± I tried to soothe him, though inside, I wasn¡¯t sure at all. 84 He looked up at me with red¨Crimmed eyes, waiting, searching for reassurance I couldn¡¯t fully give. I forced a faint smile. ¡°Go back to sleep, okay? You¡¯ve got school today.¡± ¡°Noah doesn¡¯t want to. Mommy¡¯s really sick, isn¡¯t she?¡± The question cut the air from my lungs. ¡°Mommy¡¯s fine. Trust Daddy,¡± I said, brushing his hair gently. But the words rang hollow, even in my own ears. Eventually, hey back down, eyes heavy. I sat by his side until his breathing steadied and he drifted off again. Only then did I slip out of the room, closing the door softly behind me. In the dark hallway, I stood motionless, the phone cold in my hand. My fingers shook as the screen lit up my pale reflection. My eyes locked on her name. The unease was a weight pressing deeper, constricting every breath. I opened the dialer. My thumb hovered over the green button. My pulse hammered, sweat sliding from my temple. I pressed it atst, the tone echoing once more in my ear. Long. Empty. No answer. I tried again. Nothing. Silence. My body stiffened, my mind spinning into every dark possibility. I paced the living room, back and forth, under the dim light that only sharpened my restlessness. Part of me wanted to believe she was fine, that I was overthinking. But the whisper in my chest wouldn¡¯t stop: Something¡¯s wrong. I stopped at the window, pushing the curtain aside just enough to look out. The sky was still gray, the streets almost deserted save for a car or two. The silence outside was no different from the silence inside me¨Ctight, suffocating. I clutched the phone again, typing out a message, then deleting it. I typed another, erased it. No words. were right. They all felt meaningless. The clock ticked on, slow and merciless, every second driving the dread deeper. I sank onto the sofa, elbows braced against my knees, hands covering my face. My chest heaved under the strain of it. The pounding in my head was relentless, the heartbeat in my ears chaotic. The feeling refused to let me go¨Can endless tide crashing into me. And then Noah¡¯s face shed in my mind again. His tearful eyes, filled with fear. Eyes that seemed to know something I didn¡¯t. The pressure in my chest tightened into resolve. I couldn¡¯t sit here. Not anymore. Without another thought, I called the babysitter. My voice was clipped, urgent: ¡°Can youe now? Noah¡¯s still asleep, but I need to leave. It¡¯s important.¡± Thank God she said yes. The moment the call ended, I grabbed my jacket and car keys. It felt like a ma, pulling me, dragging me in one direction¨Ctoward Sienna. As the elevator carried me down, my mind raced. What was she doing right now? Was she truly all right? 84 Or My thoughts stopped cold. No. I couldn¡¯t let myself picture the worst. The cold morning air brushed against my face the moment I stepped out of the building. My strides were quick, almost breaking into a run as I headed for the car. I started the engine and drove off, the streets still mostly empty. The car moved at a steady pace along the roads slick with morning dew. The windshield fogged slightly, forcing me to switch on the wipers every now and then. At first, the drive felt smooth. The city was still waking, only a handful of vehicles passing by. I thought I¡¯d make it quickly, that I¡¯d soon be able to see with my own eyes that everything was fine. But that hope dissolved in an instant when a string of hazard lights flickered ahead. A line of cars hade to a tight stop, stretching far down the road. I pressed the brakes gently, the car halting with a small jolt. The re of horns erupted from behind, adding to the tension. Leaning forward, I tried to make out whaty at the end of the jam. Blue and red police lights pulsed faintly, mingling with the shing of ambnces. Sincerity 85 85 Liam¡¯s POV An ident. It was clear. Thin smoke still rose from the side of the road, a crowd had gathered, and several officers were directing traffic, urging drivers to wait. My fingers tapped impatiently against the steering wheel, anxiety crawling higher by the second. Every moment that passed felt like torture. A nce at the dashboard clock only tightened the knot in my chest. The longer I sat here, the sharper my panic grew. Dark thoughts wed their way back in despite my earlier attempts to push them away. What if my instinct was right? What if she was alone right now, helpless¨Cand I was stuck here, useless? I closed my eyes for a breath, inhaled deeply, exhaled slow. But that only heightened my awareness of the chaos outside. Sirens wailed, tires screeched, scattered voices shouted from the crowd. The sound of it all pressed against my skull, feeding the unease. Traffic crawled forward, a few meters at a time, only to halt again. Frustration made me m the wheel softly, ignoring the annoyed look from the driver beside me who surely noticed my agitation. Time felt both too fast and painfully slow. My gaze drifted to the phone on the passenger seat. The urge to call her again surged¨Cto hear her voice, to know she was still there. Yet part of me recoiled. What if this time she didn¡¯t answer? What if silence on the other end confirmed every fear I had? Finally, the cars ahead crept forward. I stepped on the gas too hard, riding too close to the bumper in front as though sheer force could clear the road faster. Up ahead, a cary crumpled against the sidewalk, hood torn open, windshield shattered into pieces. For a split second, my body went rigid. Imagination red cruelly¨Cwhat if it was her car? I shook my head violently, forcing the thought away. No. Not hers. It couldn¡¯t be. Focus. Once I cleared the ident site, I pressed down harder on the pedal. The engine roared as the road opened before me, but the weight in my chest did not ease. If anything, it sharpened, as though the time lost back there was a warning that I was already toote. The closer I got to her apartment, the stronger the dread became. Her face kept shing in my mind. I pulled up outside her building and hurried in, stabbing the elevator button and pacing as the numbers ticked upward. When the doors slid open, I strode quickly down the hall to her door. My hand lifted to knock¨Csilence. I knocked again, harder. Still nothing. My heartbeat thundered. I tried the knob. Locked. A low growl escaped me as I yanked my phone, calling the building manager. It didn¡¯t take long for a staff member to arrive and unlock the door. The moment it swung open, a chill 85 ¡ú +15 BONUS seeped out. The apartment was quiet, but herptop glowed on the desk, screen filled with open. documents. Her name left my lips in a desperate call as I stepped inside, scanning the living room, the kitchen- empty. A bottle of water sat drained beside theptop. My stomach dropped. The dread wed deeper. I called out again as I made for the bedroom. The sight that met me stole the air from my lungs. Shey copsed on the floor, body curled to the side, face pale, breath ragged. My chest constricted. I dropped to my knees beside her, hands shaking as I touched her shoulder, trying to rouse her. Her eyes fluttered open just barely, unfocused, lips trembling with the effort to form my name. I gathered her into my arms, her weight light yet feverish and cold all at once. Carrying her out, I barely registered the startled stares in the hallway. My only thought was getting her to safety. Iid her carefully in the passenger seat, fastening the belt with clumsy fingers before speeding toward the nearest hospital. I kept ncing at her, each turn of her paling face cutting deeper into me. The drive felt endless, each second a test of my sanity. My mind wed at the thought of losing her again -no. I couldn¡¯t. Atst, the hospital loomed ahead. I shouted for help the moment I burst through the doors. Medics rushed to take her from my arms, wheeling her away in a flurry of white coats and urgent voices. I tried to follow, but a nurse blocked my path, firm yet gentle. ¡°Please wait here. We¡¯ll update you as soon as possible.¡± I stood frozen at the threshold, chest heaving, fists clenched. My heart hammered so loud it drowned out everything else. The only thing I could do now was wait¨Cand pray that Noah¡¯s dream was nothing more than coincidence, and that I had note toote. Soon after, the doors of the emergency room opened. A doctor stepped out, his face calm, and for the first time I felt like I could breathe again, though my heart was still pounding hard. ¡°Family of the patient, Sienna?¡± he asked, confirming. I nodded quickly. ¡°How is she, Doctor?¡± My voice came out hoarse, almost breaking. The doctor took a brief breath before exining, ¡°The patient is experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, but it hasn¡¯t reached the stage where surgery is necessary. Fortunately, you brought her here quickly. We¡¯ve already given her medication to reduce the pain and infection. For now, she just needsplete rest and plenty of fluids. However, we¡¯ll keep her under observation for the next three days to ensure her condition remains stable.¡± I swallowed hard, feeling a heavy weight in my chest lift just a little. ¡°So she¡¯s going to be okay?¡± I asked, 2/4 85 +15 BONUS still needing reassurance. ¡°Yes. As long as she follows the doctor¡¯s instructions and doesn¡¯t push herself, she¡¯ll recover,¡± he replied reassuringly. Thank God. I lowered my head for a moment, closed my eyes, trying to calm the storm that had been crashing through me all this time. The image of finding her copsed earlier was still etched sharply in my mind, a reminder of how fragile a person¡¯s life could be. ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll transfer her to a ward. You¡¯ll be able to see her shortly,¡± the doctor added before walking away. Not long after, I saw Sienna being moved to an inpatient room. I immediately requested that she be transferred to a VIP room. I stood there for a few seconds, taking a long breath. The next three days at least I could make sure she wouldn¡¯t be alone. Because this time, I wouldn¡¯t let her face that pain by herself. Sincerity 86 86 Liam¡¯s POV As the nurse pushed Sienna¡¯s bed into the VIP ward, I walked beside her. There was a strong urge inside me to make sure everything was perfect¨Cthe mattress soft enough, the lighting calm, even the scent of the room not too sharp. I wanted her to befortable. Not just safe, but truly able to rest. Once everything was set, the nurse excused herself. The room fell silent, the only sound the steady beeping of the heart monitor. Sienna was still asleep, her face pale, her hair slightly disheveled. I sat in the chair next to her bed, watching her for a long while. Relief came from the doctor¡¯s assurance that her condition wasn¡¯t too serious, yet fear still lingered¨Cfear of losing her. I leaned back in the chair, trying to steady my breathing. The room was too quiet. The rhythmic machine was calming, but it also made every passing second feel heavy. My gaze never left Sienna, her frail body hidden under the white nket. The door creaked softly. A middle¨Caged woman entered, wearing a worn cardigan, her face tired but kind. Behind her, a young man¨Cperhaps her son¨Cpushed another patient¡¯s bed into the room next door, separated only by a thin curtain. I stood reflexively, nodding politely. The woman returned a faint smile. ¡°Sorry to intrude. We were just transferred from the ER.¡± Her voice was soft, polite. ¡°It¡¯s all right, Ma¡¯am. Please,¡± I replied briefly. They busied themselves settling in while I sat back down. Still, I couldn¡¯t help ncing over. From the lines on her face, I could see the same deep worry I had felt earlier that morning. Soon, the woman sat by the bedside of her husband¡ªan elderly man with an oxygen tube in his nose. She stared at him intently, then let out a long sigh. Maybe sensing my gaze, she turned to me. ¡°Your wife is unwell too?¡± she asked quietly. I nodded. ¡°Yes. Just came from the ER as well. Thankfully, nothing too serious.¡± Her eyes lit faintly. ¡°That¡¯s good. If it¡¯s only appendicitis, it can be managed. Don¡¯t wait too long with things like that¨Cit can be dangerous.¡± Her tone carried the weight of experience. I leaned forward slightly. ¡°And your husband, Ma¡¯am?¡± I asked carefully. She looked at the old man with tenderness, a bittersweet smile on her lips. ¡°Yes. He¡¯s had lung problems for a long time. When the breathing gets this bad, we have toe to the hospital. We¡¯ve grown used toing and going, but still¡­ it never gets easier.¡± I fell silent. Her words struck me. Heavy. Yes, no matter how many times it happens, the fear of losing someone never lessens. ¡°He¡¯s stubborn, you know,¡± she continued, her voice trembling. ¡°Doesn¡¯t want hospitals, always insists on staying home. Butst night, it was so bad. Thankfully, my son acted quickly.¡± She nced at the young man now dozing off in a chair. I nodded slowly, something tightening in my chest. ¡°Without loved ones watching over, many would 86 probably just give up at home. It¡¯s good he has you and your son.¡± She smiled faintly, her eyes glistening. ¡°We can¡¯t do much except stay by their side. Doctors give medicine, machines help them breathe¡­ but what truly keeps a patient strong is knowing they¡¯re not alone.¡± Her words pierced me. Reflexively, I turned to Sienna, still asleep, her pale face peaceful. The woman¡¯s words confirmed the thought that had been gnawing at me all along: I couldn¡¯t let her face any of this alone -not the pain, not anything. I let out a long breath. ¡°You¡¯re right, Ma¡¯am. That¡¯s what matters most.¡± We both fell into silence, each lost in our own thoughts. Yet, somehow, that short exchange eased me. It made me feel less alone as a watcher, knowing behind the thin curtain was someone who understood exactly what I was feeling. I looked at Sienna again. My hand reached for hers, holding her cold fingers. Outside, the sun rose higher, its light slipping through the hospital curtains. For the first time since morning, I felt a renewed strength within me: to guard, to stay, to make sure she knew she wasn¡¯t alone. Time passed. I only sat there, asionally checking my phone, replying to a message from Noah¡¯s babysitter saying he had left for school. But my mind remained here. Seeing Sienna this fragile tore at me, but it also made me realize something I hated to admit¨Cjust how much I still cared. Around nine, she stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, blinking as if trying to recognize the ce. ¡°Where¡­ am I?¡± her voice was hoarse, almost a whisper. ¡°At the hospital,¡± I said gently. ¡°You¡¯re in the VIP ward.¡± Her eyes widened a little, then she tried to sit up but winced. ¡°Why VIP? I don¡¯t want this. Just move me to a regr ward. I¡ª¡± I sighed, leaning closer so my eyes met hers. ¡°Sienna, don¡¯t let your pride get in the way right now. You need rest. The doctor said you¡¯ll be under observation for three days, and I want youfortable.¡± She stared at me for a long while, as if wanting to argue, but I continued before she could speak. ¡°I don¡¯t care about the cost, or what anyone says. The only thing I care about is you getting better. Noah misses you. This morning he had a nightmare¨Cthat you were in pain. Do you think I can rx if you insist on a crowded ward? I won¡¯t take that risk.¡± Her expression softened, though I could see a quiet struggle behind her eyes. Sienna was always stubborn, but I also knew she could yield when it came to Noah. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I added more gently, ¡°not to control your life. I just want to make sure you¡¯re okay. If you don¡¯t want me around, I can step out¡­ but I won¡¯t let you move to another room.¡± She exhaled softly, turning her face away. No direct reply¨Cbut that was enough for me. I reached for the ss of water on the bedside table, then helped tilt her body slightly. ¡°Drink first,¡± I said. She obeyed, though her eyes were still full of questions. And in that moment, I realized¨Ceven though we¡¯ve long been apart, even though there¡¯s a distance that 86 can¡¯t just disappear¨CI would still alwayse when she needed me. Even if she herself wasn¡¯t ready to admit it. ¡°What did the doctor say?¡± she asked hoarsely, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to recall what had happened. ¡°I only remember my stomach hurting¡­ then everything went dark. I don¡¯t remember anything else.¡± X Sincerity 87 87 Liam¡¯s POV I took a deep breath before answering. ¡°Appendicitis,¡± I said quietly, trying to hold back the worry still lingering in my voice. ¡°Luckily, it didn¡¯t reach the point of needing surgery. But Sienna, seriously how could you let yourself go without water? You only drank coffee and soda, didn¡¯t you?¡± My tone unconsciously rose. ¡°Did you think your body could endure that?¡± She lowered her head, clearly unwilling to respond. I could see the guilt in her eyes, but it wasn¡¯t enough to ease my frustration. I held my breath, trying to suppress the storm of emotions inside my chest. My gaze remained fixed on Sienna¨Cher body weak, her face pale, her hair messy. She lowered her head, as if hiding from my stare. In that silence, my mind was loud, filled with fragments of images that made my blood run uneasy. The image of her copsed body on the apartment floor, her skin cold, lips pale, breath barely steady. All of it reyed in my head like a recording I couldn¡¯t stop. My hand gripped the armrest of the chair tightly. Anger wanted to erupt, but behind it lingered a great fear that left me shaken. All this time, I believed Sienna could take care of herself, believed she knew her body¡¯s limits. Yet in reality, she kept pushing, ignoring the signs of exhaustion, refusing to rest, even forgetting something as simple as drinking water. How could someone I loved treat her own body as if it wasn¡¯t valuable? The hospital room was quiet, only the soft beeping of the heart monitor filling the air. That sound made me even more aware of how thin the line is between life and loss. If I had been just a littlete, maybe what I would see now wasn¡¯t Sienna lying calmly in bed, but something far more terrifying. That thought made my throat tighten, my chest heavier. I pressed a hand to my forehead, bowing low, searching for control. Anger, fear, and relief mixed together, leaving my body drained. On one hand, I wanted to shake her, force her to understand that health can¡¯t be traded for ambition or fleeting desires. On the other, I only wanted to hold her close, to make sure she felt safe, to let her know there was someone who would never ept seeing her fall apart like that. Morning light seeped through the curtains, falling softly on Sienna¡¯s face as she drifted back to sleep. Though pale, a calmness slowly spread across her features. I stared at her for a long time, holding back the turmoil that wanted to break free. This frustration wasn¡¯t anger at her¨Cit was fear of losing her that was simply too great. Leaning back into the chair, I let out a long breath. A decision formed in my mind: I wouldn¡¯t let this happen again. Whatever it took, I would make sure she took better care of herself. No more sleepless nights, no more drowning herself in coffee instead of water, no more pushing her body past its limits. If she couldn¡¯t take care of herself, then I would do it for her. The room remained calm. Behind the thin curtain, I heard a small cough from another patient, a mother 87 whispering soothingly. My gaze returned to Sienna, and this time my hand found hers beneath the nket. I held it gently, as if making a silent promise. A promise that from now on, I wouldn¡¯t just stand by her¨CI would make sure she learned to love herself as much as I loved her. ¡°Sienna, this isn¡¯t just about being sick. It¡¯s about how you treat yourself. You work untilte, forget to eat, forget to drink. Do you think I wouldn¡¯t worry?¡± my voice dropped, firm but gentle. She sighed, then looked at me with hesitation. ¡°Then how did youe at the right time? You didn¡¯t know I was sick.¡± I turned my face away for a moment, searching for the right words. ¡°I had a bad feeling,¡± I finally admitted, quietly. ¡°I can¡¯t exin it, but somehow I just felt you needed me. And I was right.¡± She fell silent. Her eyes seemed to search through my thoughts, but I didn¡¯t give her the chance to ask more. ¡°You should have called me,¡± I added, softer this time. ¡°If you felt sick or couldn¡¯t get up, ask for help. Don¡¯t make us strangers, Sienna.¡± She closed her eyes briefly, whether from fatigue or to hold back something unspoken, I couldn¡¯t tell. I knew our rtionship was far removed from what it used to be, but seeing her like this all that distance suddenly felt meaningless. I stayed seated beside her, making sure she drank a little water from the ss on the table. Deep inside, I swore I would remain here until I waspletely certain she was safe. Even if she thought I was being excessive, I didn¡¯t care. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t care about me, Liam. I can take care of myself,¡± she said, shifting her gaze toward the window as if trying to cut off eye contact with me. I looked at Sienna for a long moment, trying to understand how she could say those words so lightly. I took a deep breath, forcing down the emotions rising inside me. ¡°Take care of yourself?¡± I repeated softly, but with a bitterness I couldn¡¯t hide. ¡°Sienna, if you really could take care of yourself, I wouldn¡¯t have found you unconscious, alone, on the floor.¡± She fell silent, her lips pressed tightly together, though her eyes continued to avoid mine. I knew this wasn¡¯t about her ability to survive¨Cit was about her unwillingness to let anyone else in. ¡°I¡­¡± I paused, swallowing the anger lodged in my throat. I didn¡¯t want to yell at her, though part of me wanted to shake her shoulders just to make her realize. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you think about our rtionship now. But the truth is, I¡¯m not going to pretend I don¡¯t care when I know you¡¯re in danger.¡± She closed her eyes, and I noticed her fingers curling into fists over the nket. There was something in her expression¨Csomewhere between exhaustion, fear, and perhaps being moved. But still, Sienna chose silence. 87 I leaned closer, lowering my voice so she would hear me clearly. ¡°Sienna, I didn¡¯te here out of pity. I came because I care. Whether you admit it or not, you matter to me. And I won¡¯t stop making sure you¡¯re alright, even if it means you¡¯ll end up hating me more than you already do.¡± The words slipped out, heavy but honest. I then stepped back, giving her space, letting her process what I¡¯d said. Sienna didn¡¯t reply, but I knew she had heard me. ¡°Enough, I want to sleep. You can go, there are plenty of nurses here who¡¯ll look after me,¡± she said again, turning her body away from me. ¡°Sienna, I¡¯m not leaving until the doctor says you¡¯re alright. I¡¯ll dly be the annoying one if that¡¯s what it takes to make sure you recover,¡± I replied firmly. Sincerity 88 88 Sienna¡¯s POV The VIP hospital room felt far too quiet, with only the ticking of the wall clock and the asional drip of the IV breaking the silence. I leaned back on the bed, the white nket covering my still¨Cweak body. My stomach still ached from the appendicitis, though the doctor had said my condition was improving. I thought everything would feel ordinary after this¨CI would rest, recover, and go home. But what I never expected was how Liam had been here the entire day. He sat on the small sofa in the corner of the room, still in his long¨Csleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. From time to time, his gaze shifted toward me, as if watching over my every move. Since this morning, he had been the one who brought me breakfast ording to the doctor¡¯s orders, the one who made sure I took my medicine on time, even the one who adjusted my pillow whenever the pain returned. And the strangest thing of all I couldn¡¯t stop this feeling inside me. This VIP room was supposed to make mefortable¨Cwith its clean white walls, soft bed, and the best care from the nurses. Yet somehow, I felt trapped. Not because of the pain in my stomach, not because of the ever¨Cpresent antiseptic smell in the hospital air. What unsettled me was Liam, who hadn¡¯t left the room even once. Every time I nced at him, he was still there. Sitting quietly, yet never truly calm. His eyes always found their way back to me, as though making sure I was still breathing. His movements were simple¨Copening the thermos of soup the nurse had delivered, pouring water into a ss, straightening my nket when it slipped¨Cbut every small act made my chest heavy. Heavy, because I knew I wasn¡¯t used to being cared for this much. Liam always looked steady¨Ctoo stubborn to push away, too patient to dismiss. I had tried, again and again, to create distance, even with sharp words I had thrown at him deliberately. Yet he remained. As if he didn¡¯t care about my resistance. As if, for him, the only thing that mattered now was making sure I was all right. I turned my face toward the window. The evening sky slowly shifted colors, orange light filtering through the thin curtains and spilling across the cold floor. A strange feeling stirred in my chest. Feelings I had long kept locked away, something I had always rejected out of fear. Fear that if I let them in, I would lose control of myself. I looked down at my weak hand resting on the nket. I could easily tell him to leave again, to insist that I could take care of myself. But the truth was I didn¡¯t want to be alone. A part of me felt calmer just knowing Liam was here in the room. His presence gave me a sense of safety that no doctor¡¯s reassurance could rece. I closed my eyes for a moment, hoping to sleep and escape this confusion. But then images of Liam preparing breakfast this morning reyed in my mind. His worried face when I refused to eat, the way he insisted I take at least a few spoonfuls of soup. All of it made me realize¨CI had already grown too used to him, more than I ever admitted. The ticking of the clock seeped into the silence. I slowly opened my eyes, ncing at him again. He had fallen asleep on the sofa, his body leaning to one side, his white shirt rumpled, his hair a little messy. Yet his face still carried a calmness that felt strangely unfamiliar to me. I bit my lower lip, trying to suppress the smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. It was strange. Wasn¡¯t I supposed to be annoyed? Shouldn¡¯t I be angry that he was interfering too much in my life? But what I felt now was the opposite¨Csomething warm swelling in my chest. Something terrifying, yetforting at the same time. For the first time since I had fallen ill, I allowed myself to feel not alone. ¡°I can get it myself, Liam,¡± I said softly when he stood to pour water into a ss. ¡°You¡¯re still weak. Just sit.¡± His voice was calm, yet left no room for argument. I sighed, trying to appear strong. ¡°I don¡¯t like bothering people.¡± He walked closer, cing the ss on the small table beside me. ¡°If it means making sure you¡¯re not in pain, then I don¡¯t mind being bothered.¡± The simple words struck me like an unexpected wave of warmth. I turned my face away, pretending to focus on the IV in my hand. I had always been used to handling everything on my own. This kind of attention felt foreign. Throughout the afternoon, I tried several times to refuse his help. When he offered to feed me soup, I said I could eat on my own. When he wanted to fix my nket, I told him not to. Yet each time, he would give me a faint smile and do it anyway, as if he knew I was only trying to protect the distance between us. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to tire yourself out by staying here all day,¡± I said as the evening crept in, hoping to gently push him away. ¡°I¡¯d be more tired if you were sick and I wasn¡¯t here,¡± he replied instantly. I froze. His words sank deep, tightening my chest in ways I couldn¡¯t exin. I wanted to respond, tough it off, but my voice caught in my throat. He sat back in the chair, but his body leaned toward me, his eyes steady, full of quiet intensity. ¡°Sienna, you don¡¯t have to pretend to be strong all the time.¡± I looked back at him, a little startled. ¡°I¡¯m not pretending.¡± ¡°Then let me stay. No reason needed.¡± There was a silence that crept in after that. I lowered my gaze, clutching the edge of the nket. A small part of me wanted to scream that I was afraid of bing toofortable with all this. Liam¡¯s attention 88 was something I had never thought I would receive from him. In the past, we were just two people crossing paths without ever really touching. And now, he was here, closing that distance little by little. He scooped up another spoonful of soup slowly. ¡°Eat a little. You haven¡¯t eaten since noon.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hungry,¡± I replied quickly. ¡°Then eat to put me at ease.¡± His tone was gentle, but full of resolve. I let out a quiet sigh, finally giving in. He fed me slowly, making sure the soup wasn¡¯t too hot. His grip on the spoon was steady, his movements full of patience. I didn¡¯t know if this was just the lingering effect of the medicine clouding my mind, or if it was because of the warmth in his gaze, but with every spoonful I swallowed, the walls I had built between us began to crack. 89 89 Sincerity 89 89 Sienna¡¯s POV I looked at the spoon he held out toward me again. Thin steam rose from the soup, its aroma light, not overpowering. My hand reflexively moved to stop him, but Liam only shook his head slightly, as if he already knew I would try to refuse again. ¡°I can eat by myself,¡± I said, trying to sound firm. He gave a faint smile. ¡°I know. But if I let you eat on your own, I¡¯m sure you¡¯d stop after just two bites. Am I right?¡± I froze, lips ready to protest, but no words came out. Because he was right. I would have stopped far earlier than I should. ¡°Liam.¡± I drew in a deep breath, searching for an excuse. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go this far. I don¡¯t want to trouble you.¡± He looked at me for a long time, as if to make sure I would hear every word he was about to say. ¡°You¡¯re not troubling me, Sienna. I¡¯m here because I want to be. If I thought this was a burden, I would¡¯ve left already.¡± The spoon approached again. Reluctantly, I opened my mouth, letting the soup in. Its warmth flowed down my throat, and for some reason, it also soothed my tangled mind. ¡°I could just call a nurse,¡± I said after swallowing. ¡°They¡¯re paid to do this.¡± ¡°Nurses are just doing their jobs,¡± Liam replied softly. ¡°I¡¯m doing this because I care.¡± My chest tightened. Those simple words shouldn¡¯t have meant much, but to me, they felt too heavy, too deep. I quickly turned my gaze to the window, staring at the night sky turning a darker shade of blue. Liam scooped again, this time waiting longer, as if giving me a chance to refuse. But I said nothing, only let the spoon return to my mouth. ¡°Why are you always so stubborn?¡± I asked quietly between bites. He gave a faint smile, a yful glint in his eyes. ¡°If I weren¡¯t stubborn, you would¡¯ve pushed me out of your life long ago.¡± I fell silent. My tongue felt tied, not knowing how to respond. His words struck exactly where I least wanted to be touched, ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to get too used to this,¡± I whispered, almost inaudible. Liam frowned slightly, ¡°Too used to what?¡± 89 ¡°To all of this,¡± I said, lowering my head. ¡°To taking care of me. To being around me.¡± For a moment, I thought he wouldugh. But his face remained serious. ¡°And if I do get used to it, what¡¯s wrong with that? I don¡¯t mind. In fact, I want to.¡± I looked at him, my heart pounding wildly. Those words, once again, were too honest to ignore. I could only close my eyes briefly, trying to calm myself, before opening my mouth for the next spoonful. Until thest spoonful, we didn¡¯t talk much anymore. But the silence wasn¡¯t awkward. There was something between us¨Cfragile, unspoken, but real¨Cthat filled the room along with the fading aroma of the soup. When we finished, he tidied up the bowl and sat back down. His hand reached out, gently touching the back of mine. ¡°The doctor said you can go home tomorrow, but I want you to get enough rest first. Don¡¯t rush back to work.¡± I only nodded. His touch made my thoughts noisy, but my body felt calm. A paradox I couldn¡¯t exin. Outside the window, the sky was shifting into shades of golden orange. The twilight filtered through the curtains, framing his silhouette as he sat close to me. And for the first time since I was admitted to the hospital, I didn¡¯t feel alone. I looked at him quietly, noticing the sharp line of his jaw, the way his brows furrowed when he was lost in thought, even the rhythm of his steady breaths. My heart, which I had locked away for so long, began to waver. Liam might not know it, but his care today had already broken through the defenses I had always held onto. It was frightening and yetforting. Liam sat in the chair beside my bed. He looked at me for a few seconds, as if weighing something. I frowned. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked. He didn¡¯t answer right away, only leaned forward slightly. ¡°Sienna, do you want to call Noah?¡± The question stunned me. I even blinked a few times just to make sure I hadn¡¯t misheard. ¡°I may I?¡± I asked softly, my voice almost a whisper. A sharp disbelief pierced my chest. All this time, I never thought Liam would let me contact Noah¨Cespecially in a situation like this. He nodded slowly. ¡°Of course. I think he would want to know how you¡¯re doing.¡± Suddenly my heart was flooded with relief, gratitude, and a tremble I couldn¡¯t hide. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered, barely audible, but I knew he heard it. 89 Liam stood, took his phone from the table, and handed it to me. For a moment my fingers hesitated to hold it. It felt as though I was clutching something too precious. While I stared at the screen, searching for Noah¡¯s name, Liam sat back down, lowering his head as if to give me space. I knew he could hear every heavy breath I took. When atst I pressed the call button, my chest pounded harder. The dial tone made me swallow hard. And when Noah picked up, his voice was warm yet tinged with worry. ¡°Hello? Mommy?¡± My tears almost spilled over. ¡°Yes, sweetheart it¡¯s Mommy. Mommy¡¯s okay,¡± I replied, choking back a sob. ¡°You¡¯re not sick, right? I dreamed you were sick yesterday,¡± he said, his voice trembling, on the verge of crying. I shook my head though he couldn¡¯t see me. ¡°No, darling, Mommy isn¡¯t sick. How was school today?¡± I asked, gently steering the topic away. ¡°I miss you, Mommy. I want to see you,¡± he said, and my heart tore painfully at the edges. ¡°Mommy misses you too,¡± I whispered, fighting tears. We spoke for a few minutes about how I was doing, about his school, about how much I longed to hold him again. I tried to sound strong, though inside I felt so fragile. Every now and then, I nced at Liam. He wasn¡¯t looking at me, but from the corner of my eye I could see his jaw tighten, as though he was wrestling with his emotions. When the call ended, I handed his phone back. ¡°Thank you, Liam,¡± I said sincerely. For a moment, our eyes met. There was something there¨Ca mixture of regret and warmth. He simply gave a small nod. ¡°Rest. You need your strength to recover.¡± Iy back down, staring at the white ceiling. But this time, my heart felt a little lighter. Not only because I had heard Noah¡¯s voice, but also because perhaps, I felt that Liam truly was here for me. Sincerity 90 90 Sienna¡¯s POV This morning, sunlight slipped through the sheer curtains of the hospital¡¯s VIP room. I opened my eyes feeling lighter than I had in the past few days. The pain in my stomach hadn¡¯tpletely disappeared, but it was far more manageable. My breathing came easier. Unlike two days ago, when every movement made me wince. Liam was no longer in his chair. Since I woke up, the seat had been empty, leaving only the trace of a rumpled thin nket and the faint scent of his cologne. I didn¡¯t know what time he left, or where he had gone. All I knew was thatst night, he was still here making sure I wasfortable before finally falling asleep in that very chair. As always, Liam never announced the things he did for me. He simply did them. For some reason, an odd feeling crept into my chest when I realized his absence this morning. Maybe I had grown too used to seeing him whenever I opened my eyes. Maybe I was beginning to miss his presence. The hospital room, which usually felt suffocating, now gave space for my thoughts to breathe. The sunlight streaming between the thin curtains fell softly on the polished floor, faintly reflecting off the cold white walls. Everything appeared so calm, yet inside my chest, something stirred something that made it impossible to close my eyes again. I tried to sit up, slowly straightening my body on the bed. The stabbing pain that once gripped me was now only a faint pulse, enough to make me grimace but no longer controlling my every move. For the first time since I was admitted, I felt a little inmand of my own body. The deep breath I released felt like a small victory. My eyes drifted back to the empty chair beside the bed. The nket still lying there seemed to hold the trace of someone who had just left it. The faint scent of Liam¡¯s cologne lingered in the air, clinging to my senses stronger than it should have. As though the room itself had recorded his presence in a subtle yet undeniable way. I let my gaze linger on that chair. It felt foolish, but there was a strange warmth in imagining him sitting there all night, pushing through exhaustion just to make sure I wasn¡¯t alone. Liam, the man I had always known to be distant and reserved, had somehow be part of the smallest and most fragile corner of my life. On the other hand, that realization stirred fear. I wasn¡¯t used to receiving this kind of attention especially from him. His care didn¡¯t just push away the loneliness, it chipped away at the walls I had so carefully built. Every small kindness felt like a crack letting in light, and that light slowly seeped in, filling a space I thought was off¨Climits to anyone. I reached for the ss of water on the bedside table. The cool liquid slid down my throat, leaving behind both freshness and bitterness. It was as if there was a stark contrast between the physical healing I was slowly achieving and the turmoil inside me that was only growing harder to control. Resting my head against the bedframe, I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to embrace the silence that wrapped around the room. But it wasn¡¯t an empty silence it was filled with thoughts of Liam. The patience in his gaze, the quiet firmness in his voice when he urged me to eat, the way he said little yet made sure I felt safe. All of it lingered, stronger than the pain still shadowing my body. Outside the window, the faint sound of birds drifted in, marking the day as it truly began. I remembered the doctor saying I might be able to go home today. The news should have made me happy, yet an unease tugged at me. Going home meant returning to routine, to the harsh reality and maybe to distance from Liam. The irony stung. I had once always looked for ways to keep him at a distance. Now, with that distance looming again, a part of me wanted to hold him here. To let him sit in that chair every morning, to let him remain part of this fragile space even if I knew it couldn¡¯tst. I opened my eyes, letting the sunlight sting them. There was a bitterness I couldn¡¯t quite name a mix of gratitude for not being alone, and fear at beginning to want more than this brief closeness. In the silence, I could only clutch the nket tighter, trying to calm the faint pounding in my chest that grew louder every time he drifted back into my thoughts. Not long after, the door opened. It wasn¡¯t Liam who stepped in, but the doctor who had been treating my appendicitis from the start. He entered with a warm smile, followed by a nurse carrying examination tools. ¡°Good morning, Mrs. Sienna. How are you feeling today?¡± the doctor asked as he began checking the notes in his hand. ¡°Much better, Doctor,¡± I replied, forcing a small smile though it felt awkward. He examined me briefly, asking about the pain, then gently pressing around my abdomen. ¡°Excellent, your recovery is very fast,¡± he said with a satisfied nod. ¡°If this continues, you¡¯ll be able to go home tomorrow.¡± I froze for a moment, staring at him with a mix of relief and something else. Home. The word sounded light, yet strange. It felt like only yesterday I was brought here weak and helpless, and for these few days, this room had be a small world of its own a world where I felt protected. Especially because of Liam. ¡°Tomorrow, Doctor?¡± I asked, needing to be sure. ¡°Yes,¡± he answered firmly. ¡°But remember, maintain a proper diet and drink enough water. Don¡¯t overexert yourself yet. If you experience any problems, contact us immediately.¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°Alright, Doctor.¡± I watched him, trying to piece together the questions that had been swirling in my head sincest night. 90 There were so many things I still didn¡¯t understand, but my tongue had been tied. Finally, I let out a slow breath and gathered the courage to ask. ¡°Doctor, actually, how dangerous was my condition yesterday?¡± I asked hesitantly. The doctor closed his notes for a moment, then looked at me calmly. ¡°Appendicitis can be dangerous if left untreated. Fortunately, you received care quickly, so surgery wasn¡¯t necessary. But your severe dehydration made things worse. If it had been dyed even a little longer, you could have been unconscious for much longer, andplications might have urred.¡± His words made my throat tighten. I imagined how my body could have copsed just because I neglected something as simple as drinking water. I bit my lip, then asked again, ¡°If I go hometer, is there a chance the inmmation wille back?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he answered honestly. ¡°Especially if your lifestyle doesn¡¯t change. So it¡¯s important to watch your diet, avoid too much caffeine, drink plenty of water, and don¡¯t skip meals.¡± He added firmly, ¡°Your body has already given you a warning. Don¡¯t ignore it again.¡± Sincerity 91 Sienna¡¯s POV I nodded, trying to absorb everything he said. A wave of shame crept in, realizing how careless I had been with my own body. ¡°So I really have to change my habits, right?¡± I muttered, half to myself. The doctor gave a faint smile. ¡°Exactly. Think of it as an rm. Your body is asking for attention. If you care about yourself and the people who care about you take care of your health.¡± Those words sank deeper than I expected. The people who care about me. For a brief moment, Noah¡¯s face crossed my mind, followed by the image of Liam, who had been by my side all these past days. I looked back at the doctor, hesitating before asking again, ¡°If I feel tiredter, is that normal, Doctor? I mean, even after I recover, will my body still feel weak for a while?¡± ¡°Completely normal,¡± he replied. ¡°You¡¯ll need time to regain your strength. Don¡¯t rush back into full activity. Rest well, give your body time to adjust. The first two weeks after discharge are crucial.¡± I nodded, feeling calmer after hearing that reassurance. ¡°Thank you so much, Doctor,¡± I said sincerely. The doctor closed the medical chart, then gave a warm smile. ¡°You¡¯re wee, Ms. Sienna. Tomorrow we¡¯ll do a final evaluation, then I¡¯ll prepare your discharge papers.¡± After the doctor and nurse left, silence once again wrapped the room. I leaned back against the pillows, staring out the window. Cars moved back and forth in the distance, the sun climbing higher. Small thoughts began to surface if I go home tomorrow, everything goes back to the way it was. No more Liam insisting on helping me, no more worried nces when I struggled to move, no more sound of his footsteps pacing back and forth to make sure I wasfortable. Honestly, I still don¡¯t understand why he did all that. I know he cares, but the attention he¡¯s given metely feels different. More genuine, warmer, and more consistent than I¡¯ve ever seen from him. Even when I tried to push him away, he stayed. He still helped. He still insisted, in his gentle way. I took a deep breath. Maybe tomorrow I¡¯ll feel relieved to return home, back to work, back to being the independent version of myself. But on the other hand I can¡¯t deny that part of me will miss this. Miss the days when I felt cared for without asking. Miss having someone who, somehow, always knew when I needed him. I nced at the nightstand beside the bed. Myptopy there, neatly set with the charger wrapped around it. Slowly, I reached for it, feeling the light pull in my abdomen each time I bent forward. The pain was still there, a sharp reminder, but not strong enough to stop me. 91 +15 BONUS ¡°I need to finish this,¡± I whispered softly, almost as if to justify myself. The deadline had been waiting even before I copsed and was rushed to the hospital. If I missed it, my work could fall apart, my reputation could suffer. I didn¡¯t want that to happen. As soon as theptop opened, the screen lit up with the document I hadst worked on before everything happened. My fingers hovered uncertainly over the keyboard. It felt like my brain was already tired before I even began. I knew my body needed rest. But at the same time, working gave me a sense of normalcy, a reminder that I still had control. I started typing, though my fingers moved more slowly than usual. Each keystroke sent a faint pulse of pain through my abdomen. I ignored it. I had long since grown used to ignoring pain both the physical kind, and the kind lodged deeper in my heart. My thoughts drifted briefly to Liam. He had left since morning, I didn¡¯t know where. There were no messages, no word from him. Normally, I would feel relieved it meant I had time to myself but strangely the room felt quieter without him. I pushed the thought away and refocused on the screen. Word by word began to fill the page. There were moments when my vision blurred a little, but I forced myself to keep looking. I knew this wasn¡¯t healthy. But I also knew that if I stopped now, the guilt would pile up deeper than the pain in my stomach. Every so often, I paused, took a deep breath, then typed again. The room was silent, the only sounds were the tapping of the keys and the low hum of the air conditioner. I tried to forget that I was in a hospital. I tried to convince myself that I was fine. In between writing, my eyes flicked toward the door. A part of me hoped Liam would walk in, bringing a cup of warm tea or simply telling me to stop working. But another part of me dreaded the idea of him actually catching me working when I was supposed to be resting. He would definitely scold me. And maybe I would listen, like I usually did. But for now, it was just me, theptop, and the dull ache in my stomach. I wrote, not because I was strong, but because I was afraid of looking weak. And somehow, it felt like the only way to hold myself together. I was engrossed in the screen, fingers dancing across the keyboard, chasing the deadline that loomed closer and closer. My mind was crowded with lines of sentences, making me lose track of time. The pain in my stomach asionally red, sharp and sudden, but I pushed through, sipping water every few minutes to keep my focus. A soft knock on the door jolted me. I turned, a little startled, as a nurse walked in, pushing a folding table with a tray on top. ¡°Good afternoon, Ms. Sienna. Here¡¯s your lunch,¡± she said with a warm smile. I blinked, processing her words. ¡°Afternoon?¡± I murmured softly. I nced at the wall clock already past twelve. God, I hadn¡¯t realized that much time had slipped by. It felt like I had only just opened myptop a moment ago. The nurse came closer, setting the table beside the bed, then lifted the lid off the meal. The aroma of 91 1163 +15 BONUS warm soup immediately filled the air. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to eat, okay? If you let it sit, it¡¯ll get cold,¡± she said as she adjusted the spoon and ss. I closed theptop slowly, realizing that the ache in my stomach was now mixed with hunger. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, my voice a little weak but sincere. She smiled again, then left, leaving me alone with my lunch. I let out a sigh, wondering how on earth I could forget to eat just because I was too absorbed in writing. Maybe Liam would scold me again if he found out. Sincerity 92 92 Liam¡¯s POV I had just opened the front door when the sound of small footsteps came running toward me. ¡°Daddy!¡± Noah shouted, his face bright with joy. He immediately hugged my leg tightly, as if afraid I might leave again. I bent down, ruffling his slightly messy hair. ¡°Hey, Noah,¡± I greeted with a smile. ¡°How are you?¡± The moment his small body clung to me, a warmth broke through the hard walls I usually kept around myself. That hug was simple, but it melted away the exhaustion that had clung to me all day. The familiar scent of home, mixed with the faint trace of children¡¯s soap still on his skin, made me realize how fragile time was when I spent it away from him. He was growing so fast, and I couldn¡¯t ignore the truth that every time I was too busy outside, there were little moments I might have missed. His first smile in the morning, the spontaneousughter when he discovered something new, even the empty look in his eyes when he felt lonely. All of it could slip away without me even noticing. My eyes swept over the living room tidy, but carrying the marks of a child¡¯s presence: toy cars neatly lined up in a corner, a storybook left open on the table, and a small nket folded on the sofa. All of it was a reminder that this house wasn¡¯t just a ce toe back to it was a little world waiting to be filled with my presence. In that silence, one truth settled in I couldn¡¯t keep living between two worlds. There was Sienna, lying in a hospital bed, her body fragile but her eyes always forcing strength. And there was Noah, who demanded my presence without ever saying it outright. Two sides pulling me with equal force, leaving me to wonder how long I could keep bncing them. I let out a quiet breath. My responsibility was bigger than just work demands or guarding myself from emotions. In his innocent eyes, I found the reason why I couldn¡¯t fail. And somehow, the thought of Sienna returned to me, making me realize that part of the answer might lie with her, too. Noah looked up at me, his eyes shining though his voice carried a hint of protest. ¡°Daddy, where were you these past two days? Noah looked everywhere, but you weren¡¯t here.¡± I paused, exhaling slowly. Of course he would feel that way. I rarely left him for more than a night, especially without clear exnation. ¡°Daddy was with Mommy at the hospital,¡± I answered softly, choosing words that wouldn¡¯t make him panic. The brightness in his expression immediately faded. ¡°Mommy in the hospital?¡± His voice was small, almost trembling. He looked up at me, questions filling his gaze, fear beginning to take root. ¡°Is Mommy really sick?¡± 92 My chest tightened at that look. I knelt down to meet his eyes. ¡°No, Noah. Mommy¡¯s already better now. The doctor even said she mighte home tomorrow.¡± Noah¡¯s eyes grew misty. He nodded slowly, but his gaze still searched mine as if to make sure I wasn¡¯t lying. ¡°Really, Daddy?¡± I gave him a reassuring smile, gently cupping his cheek. ¡°Really. Daddy would never lie about this. Mommy just needs a few days of rest, that¡¯s all.¡± He exhaled in relief, though a trace of worry still lingered in his eyes. ¡°Can Noah see Mommy?¡± he asked quietly, full of hope. Something warm stirred in my chest. This child so small, yet his love for Sienna was already so deep. ¡°Of course. Today, if you want, Daddy can take you to the hospital to see Mommy.¡± Hearing that, a smile bloomed on his face again. ¡°Yes! Noah wants to!¡± he cheered, hugging me even tighter. I returned the embrace, closing my eyes briefly. After two days in the hospital watching Sienna fight through pain while still forcing herself to work and nowing home only to be weed by Noah like this somehow, all that exhaustion felt a little lighter. I carried Noah to the sofa, sitting down while letting him stay close on myp. His small body radiated warmth, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart after running to me earlier. His little hand still gripped my shirt, as if to make sure I wouldn¡¯t leave again. My eyes wandered across the room. A half¨Cfinished ss of milk on the table, crayon scribbles on a sheet of paper left open, and a small stuffed toy lying sideways on the floor. All of it simple pieces of Noah¡¯s life, but full of meaning. A life I wanted to remain whole, unbroken by my absence or Sienna¡¯s fragility. In my mind, Sienna¡¯s face came back the way she endured the pain in the hospital, pale but still trying to hide her weakness. The way she bowed her head, quietly refusing attention even though her body so clearly needed it. Two days beside her in that room made me realize how hard she was on herself. Too hard. And without meaning to, I couldn¡¯t stand by and watch her like that anymore. Noah shifted, leaning deeper into my chest, making me stroke his back gently. There was a peace here that I rarely felt. This moment was a reminder that no matter how busy orplicated life became, in the end, this was what mattered most. Presence. Warmth. And a family that, though imperfect, remained the gravity that always pulled me back. I drew in a deep breath, letting the silence of the house fill the spaces in my mind. Tomorrow, maybe I would take Noah to see Sienna. Maybe that could be the bridge that tied the three of us closer. It was the start of something I wasn¡¯t yet brave enough to admit, but slowly, I was beginning to want. And when I saw Noah¡¯s eyes light up again with excitement, I couldn¡¯t help but smile. That boy really was like light in the middle of all the weariness. ¡°Then let¡¯s get ready. We¡¯ll bring some clothes, because 92 tonight we¡¯re staying at the hospital with Mommy,¡± I said, ruffling his hair. Noah immediately cheered, ¡°Yay! We¡¯re staying with Mommy!¡± His voice filled the entire living room, bringing life back into the house that had felt so quiet. He dashed to his bedroom, his hurried footsteps tapping against the wooden floor, and I could only shake my head with a smile as I watched him go. I followed him inside, finding him already pulling open the wardrobe and tugging out his favorite T¨Cshirt with the dinosaur print. ¡°I¡¯ll bring this, Daddy! Mommy will like seeing me wear it,¡± he said, ncing back at me. There was both excitement and a flicker of nervousness in his expression, as if he was afraid Mommy might still be too sick to smile at him. Sincerity 93 Liam¡¯s POV I helped pick out a few more sets of clothes, making sure to pack a thick jacket since the hospital air conditioning was usually cold. ¡°We should bring pajamas too, so you can sleep well tonight,¡± I said as I folded them neatly. Noah nodded, then tossed one of his small toys into the bag. ¡°So Mommy won¡¯t get bored,¡± he added innocently. For a moment, I froze, warmth spreading through my chest. This little boy was already thinking of ways to cheer up his mother. Sienna probably didn¡¯t realize just how deep Noah¡¯s love for her ran. Maybe I hadn¡¯t really shown Sienna myself that I still cared at least as the father of our child. ¡°Noah,¡± I called softly, making him pause in the middle of packing. ¡°Mommy is already much better. She might even be allowed toe home tomorrow. So don¡¯t worry too much, okay?¡± He nodded, though I could still see the trace of worry in his eyes. I patted his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. Once everything was packed, I made sure snacks and his water bottle were included. With his little backpack strapped on, Noah looked as though he was about to set off on an adventure. ¡°Come on, Daddy! Mommy¡¯s waiting!¡± he chirped, tugging at my hand. In that moment, I realized tonight might be something important. Not only for Noah, who longed for his mother, but also for Sienna and me, who somehow,tely, had begun finding a way to speak without hurting each other. Noah hopped into the car, his backpack nearly the size of his body, while I started the engine and slowly drove out of the driveway. He sat in the passenger seat, excitement glowing in his eyes as he kept looking at me. ¡°Daddy, are we going straight to the hospital?¡± he asked eagerly. I gave a faint smile, turning onto the main road. ¡°We¡¯ll make a stop first. There¡¯s something I need to buy.¡± His eyes sparkled with curiosity. ¡°What are we buying?¡± I nced at him briefly before answering, ¡°We¡¯ll stop by the flower shop. Mommy will be happy if you bring her something pretty.¡± He went quiet for a second, then his face lit up. ¡°Can I choose, Daddy?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± I replied, smiling wider. It didn¡¯t take long to reach the flower shop on the corner of the street. The moment we stepped inside, the fresh fragrance of blossoms filled the air. Noah walked between rows of flowers, his eyes roaming as if he were choosing a new toy. Atst, his hands stopped at a bouquet of white roses mixed with baby¡¯s breath. ¡°This one, Daddy. Mommy will like it,¡± he said with certainty. 93 +15 BONUS I nodded in agreement. White roses somehow, they felt right for Sienna. Simple, soft, but carrying a sense of sincerity. After paying, we returned to the car, Noah holding the bouquet as though it were a treasure. But I didn¡¯t steer the car toward the hospital just yet. ¡°Where are we going now, Daddy?¡± he asked. ¡°To the bakery. Mommy needs something sweet to help her recover,¡± I replied as I pressed the gas pedal. Noah giggled. ¡°Then I get to eat too, right?¡± I shook my head slightly but with a smile tugging at my lips. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± The bakery I had in mind wasn¡¯trge, but it was well¨Cknown for its soft tarts. As soon as we walked in, the air was rich with the scent of vani and chocte. Noah pressed his face against the disy ss, his eyes widening at the rows of cream¨Ccovered, fruit¨Ctopped cakes. ¡°Which one should we get for Mommy?¡± I asked, crouching down beside him. He pointed at a strawberry tart with white cream and a mint leaf on top. ¡°This one. It¡¯s pretty, like Mommy.¡± For a second, I fell still, something tugging faintly at my heart at those innocent words. ¡°Alright, this one,¡± I said, signaling the clerk to pack it up. Back in the car, Noah sat carefully, guarding both the flowers and the cake as though they were priceless. All along the way, he kept asking, ¡°Do you think Mommy will be happy?¡± I answered with quiet certainty, ¡°Of course she will. Especially when she sees you.¡± Noah¡¯s smile widened, and strangely, my chest felt warmer. The drive to the hospital felt different this time. There was a small hope within me not just that Sienna would recover quickly, but maybe just maybe, our rtionship could be something better than before. Noah hugged his little stuffed toy tightly, then looked up at me with sparkling eyes. ¡°Daddy, Mommy likes this flower¡¯s color, right? Noah chose it all by himself, because Mommy once said she liked purple.¡± I nced briefly at the flower he was holding carefully in hisp a softvender rose, simple yet beautiful. I gave a small nod. ¡°Mommy will definitely like it. You¡¯re amazing for remembering.¡± He beamed proudly, then fell quiet for a moment before asking again, ¡°If Mommy eats this cake, will she get better right away, Daddy?¡± That innocent question drew a faint smile from me. ¡°Maybe not right away, but it will definitely make her happy. And when Mommy¡¯s heart is happy, her body can heal faster too.¡± Noah nodded firmly, as if he truly believed a smile could be medicine. ¡°Then Noah has to make Mommyugh too, so she¡¯ll get better quicker.¡± 93 Something tugged sharply at my chest hearing that. A child this small, yet so full of care for his mother he even knew how to give her strength. ¡°That¡¯s a wonderful idea,¡± I replied softly, trying to hide the sudden swell of emotion inside me. The streets were fairly quiet that afternoon. As I drove, I asionally nced at Noah through the rearview mirror. He was still gazing out the window, as if imagining Sienna¡¯s face when she received this little surprise. Every now and then he muttered to himself, rehearsing the words he would say: ¡°Mommy, Noah brought flowers for you.¡± Then he smiled, satisfied, as though already picturing the warm hug he would get in return. I let him sink into his excitement, but inside I wondered too how would Sienna react? Would she be touched? Or would she think I was interfering by bringing Noah along? The thought made me take a deeper breath. But watching Noah so full of joy, I knew one thing: no matter how Sienna responded, this moment was worth it. Because this wasn¡¯t just about her, or about me. It was about Noah about his pure love, the kind I wanted to reach his mother without being blocked by anything at all. Sincerity 94 94 Sienna¡¯s POV A soft knock on the door made me turn from the window. That afternoon, the sunlight streamed gently through the thin curtains of the hospital¡¯s VIP room, warming the air that usually felt cold and sterile. I thought it was a nurseing to check my blood pressure or bring medicine, but as the door opened, the sound of small, quick footsteps made my heart skip. ¡°Noah,¡± My voice caught, barely more than a whisper. The boy stood at the doorway, his round eyes radiating joy, then without hesitation he ran straight toward me. ¡°Mommy!¡± I barely had time to open my arms before his small body wrapped tightly around me. His warmth made all the exhaustion seem to evaporate. The fresh, soft scent of childhood filled my senses, and I almost cried. It had been so long since Ist saw him. ¡°Sweetheart, Mommy missed you so much,¡± I whispered, stroking his hair. Noah pulled back slightly, his innocent face filled with worry. ¡°Daddy said Mommy was sick in the hospital, Noah was scared Mommy was really, really sick.¡± My heart sank at the tremor in his voice. I hugged him tighter, as though reassuring myself that my child was truly here in my arms. These past few days I had only heard his voice over the phone warm, but distant, filled with a longing that couldn¡¯t be answered. Now, his presence was so real, making my chest ache with fullness. Something melted inside me, something I could no longer hold back, like a dam finally breaking. His small body pressed against my stomach reminded me just how fragile I was without him. All this time I had tried so hard to be strong, to reject weakness, to pretend I could stand on my own. But when that innocent face looked up at me with clear, worried eyes, all my defenses copsed. I didn¡¯t have to pretend anymore. I stroked his back gently, noticing how much taller he seemed than thest time I had truly made time for him. There was a faint line in his jaw now, subtle changes I had missed because I had been too busy. Guilt pierced me sharply. How many moments had I lost simply because I was too focused on work? How many times had I turned away his hugs, iming I was tired or busy? From the corner of my eye, I caught Liam¡¯s figure standing calmly in the room. He didn¡¯t say a word, just watched us with an expression I couldn¡¯t quite read. There was calmness there, relief, but also something deeper perhaps regret, or maybe hope? I wasn¡¯t sure. But for the first time in a long while, I didn¡¯t feel the need to push him away. His presence wasn¡¯t intrusive. On the contrary, it brought with it a strange sense of safety once I realized he was the one who had brought Noah here. 94 I turned my focus back to Noah. His tiny hand gripped mine tightly, as though afraid I might disappear if he let go. That grip made me realize how precious my presence was to him. Not as someone perfect, not as a mother who always got everything right, but simply as someone who was there. My being here was enough for him. My eyes shifted to the small bouquet of flowers now lying on the bedside table. Pale purple roses with simple white ents are a choice so sweet and thoughtful. Only Noah would think of something like that. Beside it sat a neatly decorated box of strawberry tart, clearly chosen with care. My heart trembled. This child, though so small, had worked so hard to make me feel loved. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I held them back so he wouldn¡¯t worry more. Still, in my heart I knew I would remember this moment forever. The moment I was reminded that happiness doesn¡¯t alwayse from perfection, but from small, sincere love given unconditionally. I smiled softly, trying to ease his fears. ¡°Mommy is so much better now. I just need some rest. See? Mommy can still smile, right?¡± He nodded, though his lips quivered slightly as if holding back tears. I suddenly noticed Liam standing closer to the door, watching us with that same unreadable expression. There was more than just relief in his gaze, there was warmth, something I hadn¡¯t seen in a long time. ¡°Noah, did you bring something for Mommy?¡± Liam asked as he stepped inside. ¡°Oh right!¡± Noah hurriedly let go of me and dashed to the small table near the door, pulling something from a paper bag. Then, with a face full of pride, he handed me a bouquet of delicate white roses. ¡°This is for Mommy. So Mommy can get well soon.¡± I froze for a moment, inhaling the scent of the flowers. Their freshness filled my nose, but what touched me most was the fact that such a young child had thought of this. ¡°They¡¯re so beautiful, sweetheart. Mommy loves them, thank you.¡± Noah beamed, his eyes narrowing with joy. ¡°Noah picked them himself, Mommy. Daddy just paid.¡± His innocent words made meugh softly. I nced at Liam, who smiled faintly, letting Noah take all the credit. ¡°Not just flowers, Mommy,¡± Noah added, hurrying back to the table. This time he lifted a white cake box with a red ribbon on top. ¡°It¡¯s a strawberry tart. Pretty like Mommy!¡± Warmth flooded my chest. ¡°Wow, Mommy feels so very special today,¡± I said, carefully taking the box from him. The cake box felt cool in my hands, yet somehow brought a warmth I couldn¡¯t exin. I set it gently on myp, brushing my fingers across the red ribbon as though touching something more than just a gift. It wasn¡¯t only a cake it was a symbol of care, a small effort from a child who only wanted to see his mother 94 happy. And Noah, with all his innocence and love, had given it to me. I looked at his glowing face, so proud of his little surprise. His cheeks were flushed, and there was that unmistakable sparkle of childhood in his eyes that reminded me of the times when the world felt simple:ughter was enough, a smile was enough, and everything was beautiful. Noah¡¯s smile was a healer that no hospital medicine could ever rival. I slowly set the box down on the bedside table, then pulled Noah back into my arms. His small body felt so alive, so real, filling the emptiness inside me that I often didn¡¯t dare admit was there. There was a strength that flowed through me just by holding him as if every wound, both in body and in heart, was slowly mending. From the corner of my vision, Liam was still standing there, calm, unobtrusive. His gaze lingered on us, yet it demanded nothing. He kept his distance, but there was an undeniable presence, a quiet involvement. For a moment, I felt something unusual, an unspoken gratitude. Without him, Noah wouldn¡¯t be here now, bringing flowers and cake, bringing color to a white room that usually felt so hollow. Sincerity 95 I turned my eyes back to Noah. His little hands were busy adjusting his toy on myp, as if the toy, too, wanted to cheer me on. He shifted closer, then looked at me intently, as though making sure I truly was all right. That gaze was so honest it stripped me bare of every pretense. The afternoon air slipped through the gap in the curtains, carrying a faint scent from the hospital garden, mingling with the fragrance of the purple roses on the table. Together, they created a different atmosphere: no longer cold, no longer frightening. The room was now filled with signs of life, of love. I could feel it in every corner. Noah swung his small legs back and forth, waiting for something perhaps for me to open the cake, perhaps for some reaction. I didn¡¯t move right away. I just wanted to savor this moment, to absorb every detail so it wouldn¡¯t vanish too quickly. Because I knew, I couldn¡¯t always hold on to time together. There were days when busyness kept us apart, when distance was something I unknowingly created myself. So today, I didn¡¯t want to rush. I rested my head for a moment against Noah¡¯s hair, closing my eyes. His heartbeat thudded against my chest, fast and vibrant with the energy of a child. That rhythm seemed to reignite the me within me that had been dimmed. The wounds in my body were still there, but in my heart, something new was growing: hope. When I finally opened my eyes, Noah was still there, smiling at me with a grin beyond price. And I knew, without words, that this was the most powerful medicine I could ever have. Not the IV drip, not the pills from doctors, but the simple love of a child and from the man who, quietly, had made sure it all reached me safely. Liam stepped forward, setting down a small bag of fruit on the bedside table. ¡°We thought you could use a little sweetness and color in here.¡± I nodded, trying to contain the swell of emotions rising in me. Somehow their presence made this usually quiet hospital room feel alive. ¡°Noah, do you want to sit here?¡± I asked, patting the side of the bed. Without hesitation, he climbed up, settling beside me. His hand sped mine tightly, as if to make sure I was truly here. ¡°Noah¡¯s sleeping here tonight, right, Mommy?¡± I turned toward Liam, a little surprised. ¡°Yes,¡± he answered quickly, as though already prepared. ¡°I thought Noah would feel calmer if he could stay with you. I brought a change of clothes.¡± My smile widened, tinged with a wave of tenderness. ¡°Then Mommy is really happy. Tonight the three of 96 us can spend time together.¡± Noah¡¯s eyes lit up, and heunched into stories about everything he had done over the past two days about his new toy, about dinner with Grandma, even about the rain that fellst night. I listened intently, nodding now and then,ughing softly at his excitement. Meanwhile, Liam sat in the chair near the bed, quietly watching us. I could feel his gaze, but I didn¡¯t dare hold it for long. There was still a distance between us that hadn¡¯t fully disappeared, yet this moment made that distance feel a little smaller. When Noah finally let out a small yawn, I stroked his cheek. ¡°Sweetheart, are you tired?¡± ¡°A little,¡± he admitted honestly. ¡°But Noah wants to eat cake with Mommy first.¡± I chuckled softly. ¡°All right. But just a little, okay? Mommy still isn¡¯t allowed to eat too much.¡± Liam helped open the cake box, and the sweet aroma of strawberries immediately filled the air. Noah let out a small cheer, then carefully divided the slices. One for me, one for himself, and one for Liam. ¡°We eat together, so Mommy gets better faster,¡± he said, raising his fork proudly. The three of us ate in afortable silence. The sweetness of the cream mixed with the freshness of the strawberries, as if sealing the day with the perfect ending after all the exhaustion. Eventually, Noahid his head on myp, his eyes growing heavy. I gently stroked his hair, feeling his breathing settle into a steady rhythm. ¡°He must be tired,¡± I whispered softly to Liam. He nodded, his voice low. ¡°But he¡¯s happy. So am I.¡± I looked at him, startled by the rare honesty that slipped past his lips. But before I could say anything, he lowered his gaze, as though afraid I might read deeper into it. I turned back to Noah, pressing a soft kiss on his forehead. ¡°Thank you, Liam, for bringing him here.¡± He met my eyes briefly before answering simply, ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Liam settled into the chair by the window, staring outside as if lost in thought. I had been holding onto the doctor¡¯s news since earlier, and finally I spoke up. ¡°The doctor came by today,¡± I murmured, gently brushing my hand over Noah¡¯s back. Liam turned to me, his brows lifting slightly, showing he was listening. ¡°He said tomorrow I can go home.¡± For a split second, his eyes lit up, the calm mask breaking with a trace of relief he couldn¡¯t quite hide.¡± That¡¯s good news,¡± he said, standing and walking closer to the side of the bed. ¡°Then tomorrow, I¡¯ll be the one to take you home.¡± His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. I held his gaze briefly before nodding. ¡°All right,¡± I replied quietly. 95 For reasons I couldn¡¯t exin, my heart warmed at his words, even though I tried not to show it. Over the past few days, Liam had been here almost constantly making sure I wasfortable, insisting I eat, keeping mepany when I couldn¡¯t sleep. His attention still felt unfamiliar, but also a little frightening. I was afraid my heart might get used to it. He gave me a faint smile, as though satisfied I hadn¡¯t refused. ¡°Then rest for today. Tomorrow we¡¯ll go home,¡± he said while adjusting the pillows behind my back. I lowered my head, hiding an expression that might be too easy to read. Carefully, Liam shifted Noah from myp to lie beside me. My legs, already starting to go numb from his weight, felt immediate relief. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said softly, watching him smooth down Noah¡¯s messy hair with a gentle touch. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa,¡± he replied, moving to sit there. Sincerity 96 Sienna¡¯s POV That morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of the hospital¡¯s VIP room, wrapping the space in a soft glow. I was still half¨Casleep when I felt my bed gently shake. Hoah¡¯s cheerful voice reached my CATS, ¡°Mommy, Mommy, wake up. Today you can go home, right?¡± His voice was so full of excitement that I smiled, even though my eyes were still heavy, I slowly opened my eyes, and there was my child¡¯s bright face, greeting me with a wide smile. His hair was a little messy, proof that he had just woken up. On the other side, Liam was still asleep on the sofa by the window, but not long after, he began to stir, rubbing his face, ¡°Good morning, Noah,¡± I greeted him, stroking his head. ¡°Morning,¡± he replied quickly, then turned toward Liam, ¡°Daddy, wake up! Today Mommy goes home!¡± Liam opened his eyes fully, looking at Noah with warmth still wrapped in drowsiness, ¡°Morning, son.¡± He then sat up, nced at me briefly, before focusing back on Noah. ¡°So, do you want breakfast here in the room, ore with Daddy to the cafeteria to buy food?¡± he asked while straightening his posture, Noah thought for a moment, then shook his head quickly. ¡°Here in the room. I want to stay with Mommy.¡± Liam looked at him briefly, then gave a faint smile and nodded. ¡°Okay, Daddy understands. You stay with Mommy while Daddy buys breakfast.¡± The little boy nodded firmly, as if epting an important mission. ¡°Yes, Daddy!¡± he answered loudly, making me chuckle softly, Liam stood, taking his wallet and phone from the small table in the corner of the room. ¡°If you need anything, call me,¡± he said while ncing at me for a moment. I only nodded. As soon as Liam left, the room felt quieter, filled only by the sound of the AC and the footsteps of nurses in the hallway outside. Noah quickly climbed onto my bed, sitting cross¨Clegged while watching me attentively, He sat calmly by my side, though his eyes sparkled with the liveliness of morning. His small body shifted restlessly, unable to contain all his energy, yet there was also a softness in him, his hand reaching for my nket, carefully smoothing the part that was slightly folded. I looked at him closely, memorizing every detail I might have missed in past days. His innocent face that resembled Liam¡¯s so much, his chubby cheeks still flushed from sleep, and his tousled brown hair from rushing to see me. I leaned my head back against the pillow, feeling my heartbeat slow, simply because of his presence. 96 884 There was something in Noah¡¯s gaze that made the world feel simpler. No worries about work, no shadows from the past,just me and him, in this little room filled with gentle light. Outside, the sunlight spread its warmth, casting faint shadows on the white floor. The smell of antiseptic still lingered, yet mixed with the fragrance of roses from the bouquet on the side table. It all created a strange bnce between life and recovery, as if the universe itself was trying to soothe me. Noah began swinging his legs on the bed, leaning slightly toward me. I could feel how much he missed me, even though he never said it aloud. He had waited long enough for moments like this, sitting beside me without fear of a nurse asking him to leave, or without worrying about bad news from the doctor. For him, me being here, still able to smile at him, was enough to ease all his fears. I traced his face gently with my fingers, realizing how quickly time was passing. Noah was no longer the baby I used to rock to sleep; he was growing, learning to understand the world in his own simple yet curious way. A wave of emotion swelled in me,pride, mixed with the fear of missing out on important moments in his life. Time seemed to slow down. The sounds outside became faint, like distant background music. I only wanted to keep this moment inside my heart, a reminder that even in the middle of wounds and exhaustion, there was always a reason to hold on. Noah was my reason, the little light that kept guiding me to rise again. Slowly, I matched my breathing with his restless movements beside me. He yed with his little toy on top of the nket, making imaginary sounds that made himugh at himself. Thatughter was contagious, filling the room that once felt empty. I realized happiness didn¡¯t alwayse from big things, but from simple presences so full of sincerity. When my eyes drifted to the window, I saw a clear blue sky with thin clouds driftingzily. There was a promise in that view,a promise that today would be better, that stepping out of this hospital wasn¡¯t just about going home, but also a beginning. I pulled Noah closer, letting his small body rest against mine. He was quiet for a moment, then smiled softly at me, as if he already felt content just sitting there. My heart felt full, so full it was almost overflowing. In thatfortable silence, I knew this was my true home, not walls or roofs, but the embrace and love that existed between me, Noah, and little by little, Liam. ¡°Mommy¡¯s not sick anymore?¡± he asked softly. His question warmed my heart. I nodded, stroking his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m feeling better. Today we can go home, and Mommy can be with you again.¡± He grinned wide, then hugged me without hesitation. That little embrace felt so sincere and full of love, making me realize how much I missed him during my stay in the hospital. When Noah finally pulled back, I smiled and ran my fingers through his hair gently. 96 I looked at his cheerful face after hugging me. His smile was still wide, his eyes sparkling with morning excitement. ¡°Noah loves Mommy so much,¡± he suddenly said, still clinging to me. My heart skipped a beat, yet warmed instantly. I kissed his forehead softly. ¡°Mommy loves you too, more than anything.¡± He giggled softly, then nodded firmly. ¡°When Mommy goes hometer, we can y together again, right?¡± I smiled, looking into his clear eyes. ¡°Yes. Mommy promises this time I won¡¯t always be too busy.¡± ¡°Noah also promises to take care of Mommy so she won¡¯t get sick again,¡± he said with such seriousness that I couldn¡¯t help butugh softly. ¡°Wow, so Mommy has a little bodyguard now, huh?¡± I teased, gently pinching his cheek. He nodded proudly. ¡°Yes! The strongest bodyguard.¡± The atmosphere felt light, full of warmth. I took a deep breath, trying to strengthen myself. ¡°Now Mommy wants to freshen up first, soter when we go home, Mommy looks bright.¡± Noah patted his chest. ¡°Okay, Mommy. I¡¯ll wait here. I promise I won¡¯t go anywhere.¡± Relieved by his answer, I reached out to hold his hand for a moment before standing up. ¡°Good boy.¡± My body already felt much better, though still a little weak. I decided to get up and clean myself before Liam returned. ¡°Noah, Mommy¡¯s going to the bathroom for a bit, okay? You wait here.¡± He nodded obediently, then sat at the edge of the bed, ying with the little toy he had brought from home. I walked slowly toward the bathroom in the corner of the room, careful not to rush since I wasn¡¯t fully recovered yet. X Sincerity 97 Sienna¡¯s POV I sshed cold water on my face. The sensation refreshed my eyes, as if washing away thest traces of sleep. I tidied my messy hair and changed out of the patient¡¯s gown into something neater. It felt good to see my reflection in the mirror without the drained expression I had worn just days ago. I stood still for a moment, gazing at the reflection. The paleness was still there, but not as sharp as when I first entered the hospital. The dark circles under my eyes had begun to fade, though notpletely gone. A faint flush of pink had returned to my cheeks, perhaps from the cold water touching my skin. My hand traced along my jawline, then moved down to my stomach. The surgical wound that had once made every movement painful no longer hurt as much. I took a deep breath, trying to ept the reality that my body was healing, and I needed to be patient. I straightened the cor of my clothes, making sure it wasn¡¯t too loose. For a moment, it felt as though I had been given a second chance, a chance to take better care of myself, to stop pushing beyond my limits. Water dripped from the ends of my hair onto my shoulders, making me chuckle softly. I grabbed a tissue and dabbed it dry before looking back at my reflection. Behind the weariness, I could see something different: a glimmer of hope. Not only because I would soon leave the hospital, but because of Noah, the little boy who, in his own way, gave me strength. And¡­ Liam. Somehow, his presence now felt closer, even though the distance between us had once been so wide. I leaned my hand on the sink, staring at myself longer. There was fear too, fear of getting used to a kind of care that might notst. Yet beneath that fear, a soft whisper in my heart urged: maybe this is the time to learn to ept, not just to give. Slowly, I smiled at my reflection, a faint but genuine smile. I reached for the smallb on the shelf, running it gently through my hair. Each stroke felt like I wasn¡¯t just arranging my hair, but also tidying up the mess of my feelings. When I finished, I patted my cheeks lightly, giving myself encouragement. ¡°You can do this,¡± I murmured under my breath, only for myself to hear. I turned the tap back on once more, washing my hands with fragrant soap before drying them. I felt fresher, more ready to step back out. As I gripped the doorknob, I paused, inhaling deeply. A strange feeling swirled in my chest, a mix of nervousness, gratitude, and warmth I couldn¡¯t quite exin. Finally, I pushed the door open gently, ready to return to the room where Noah waited so faithfully. The moment I stepped out, the room¡¯s door opened again. Liam entered, carrying a tray with two 97 breakfast boxes and a ss of orange juice. The aroma of toast and omelet quickly filled the air. ¡°Perfect timing, Mommy just came out and Daddy¡¯s back!¡± Noah eximed, jumping off the bed. Liam gave a small smile. ¡°Yep, Daddy brought a special breakfast for Mommy too.¡± He set the tray on the small table near the bed, then pulled a chair closer to me. ¡°Sit down before it gets cold.¡± I obeyed, sitting at the edge of the bed while Liam opened the breakfast box. Inside were warm toast, a fluffy omelet, and a few slices of fruit. Simple, but appetizing. ¡°Noah, this is for you,¡± Liam handed him another box filled with mini pancakes, his favorite without a doubt. ¡°Yay!¡± Noah immediately grabbed it and sat in the chair beside Liam. We began eating together. asionally, Noah chattered away between bites, his eyes glowing as he talked about a new toy he had brought from home. I only smiled, feeling warm watching the two of them. Every so often, Liam nced at me. ¡°Eat a lot, so you won¡¯t feel weak when we go home.¡± I nodded softly. ¡°Okay. Thank you for bringing breakfast.¡± He only gave a faint smile, but in his eyes, I could see sincerity in the way he cared for everything. Sometimes I caught his gaze lingering, and each time I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the food in front of me. After finishing thest bite of my toast, I slowly sipped the orange juice. It tasted so refreshing, especially in the calm of this morning. Noah had also finished his pancakes, even licking the tip of his fork with a satisfied grin. ¡°Are you full, Mommy?¡± Noah asked, patting his little belly. I nodded with a smile. ¡°Very full. Now let¡¯s get ready to go home, okay?¡± The little boy jumped with joy, ¡°Yay! Finally Mommy¡¯s going home!¡± he shouted, standing on his chair in excitement. Liam just shook his head slightly at Noah¡¯s antics, then stood up. ¡°Alright then, you two pack up the things. I¡¯ll handle the paperwork at administration.¡± I nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± As soon as Liam stepped out, I began tidying up the belongings in the VIP room. My small bagy on the table, still filled with a few changes of clothes, a charger, and a book I never actually had the chance to open. I folded the clothes neatly while Noah busied himself putting his little stuffed toy into his own backpack. ¡°Mommy, should we take this drink home?¡± Noah asked, pointing at the water bottle on the nightstand. 97 I nced at it. ¡°Sure, put it in the side pocket of your bag.¡± He followed quickly. I couldn¡¯t help but smile to myself, watching how eager he was, as if packing up was an exciting little adventure for him. Not long after, Liam came back in holding a folder of documents. ¡°Everything¡¯s settled. We can go straight home now.¡± Noah immediately let out a little cheer. ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go!¡± I chuckled softly at his enthusiasm. ¡°Patience, sweetheart. Mommy hasn¡¯t put on her shoes yet.¡± Liam came closer, then, without being asked, picked up the shoes ced in the corner of the room and set them down in front of me. ¡°I¡¯ll carry the bag,¡± he said quietly. I hesitated for a moment, but eventually handed him the bag. While I slipped on my shoes, Noah was already standing by the door, swinging his backpack back and forth, eager to leave. Once everything was ready, Liam opened the door and gestured for me to go first. Noah held my hand tightly, while clutching the strap of his backpack with the other. Liam walked behind us, making sure I didn¡¯t move too fast. His car was parked not far from the exit. He went ahead to open the back door. ¡°Noah, you sit next to Mommy, okay?¡± Noah quickly climbed in, then patted the seat beside him. ¡°Come on, Mommy.¡± I got in slowly, making sure I was settledfortably. Liam shut the door, then walked around to the driver¡¯s side. Once he sat down and started the engine, I nced out the window, watching the hospital building slowly fade into the distance. Sincerity 98 Sienna¡¯s POV When the car stopped in front of Liam¡¯s house, I let out a quiet sigh. The house looked warm and tidy, with a small, well¨Ckept garden in front. Noah immediately shouted with excitement, ¡°We¡¯re here, Mommy!¡± His voice was full of cheer, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile, even though my heart was still wrapped in doubt. I nced at Liam, who had already gotten out first. He opened the door for me, offering his hand to make it easier for me to step down. I wanted to refuse, but in the end, I still held his hand briefly before quickly pulling away as soon as my feet touched the ground. As we walked inside, I spoke up. ¡°Liam, I can actually go back to my own apartment. I don¡¯t want to trouble you for too long.¡± I knew my words sounded stiff, but I truly felt uneasy. After all, I had relied on him for long enough. It felt like I needed to return to my own space, my own life. The moment we crossed the threshold, the soft scent of wood and a faint trace ofundry soap weed
  1. me. Liam¡¯s living room felt warm, with sunlight pouring in through therge window on the right side. The light gray sofa was neatly arranged, its cushions lined up perfectly. The coffee table in the center was spotless, holding nothing but a small vase filled with fresh flowers that seemed recently reced.
All of it created an atmosphere of calm, as if the house was always ready to receive anyone withfort. I set my bag down on the sofa, trying to hide the awkwardness building inside me. Noah ran straight to the rug in front of the television, opened his backpack, and pulled out his favorite stuffed toy. His cheerfulughter filled the room, making the house feel more alive. I just watched from a distance, letting myself soak in that simple scene. Meanwhile, Liam busied himself making sure everything from the hospital was neatly arranged. His movements were steady, quiet, as if he was already used to keeping everything in order. I nced at him briefly, then quickly looked away. There was a feeling I couldn¡¯t put into words whenever I saw the way he handled everything, for me, for Noah, without me ever asking. I stepped toward the window, pulling aside the sheer curtain that swayed slightly with the breeze. The small garden outside looked carefully tended, with flowers blooming and the grass evenly trimmed. It felt like a little slice of peace, so different from the cold, monotonous hospital room. Yet behind thatfort, something in my chest kept reminding me that this wasn¡¯t my home, that I shouldn¡¯t stay here for too long. My apartment shed in my mind. That small, quiet ce where I could set everything as I pleased, without considering anyone else. I missed that independence, even though I knew my body was still healing. Guilt seeped in, because on one hand, I owed Liam so much, but on the other, I was afraid of bing too ustomed to thefort he gave. 98 248 I leaned my back against the wall, closing my eyes for a moment. My body was healing, but my heart hadn¡¯t found steady ground yet. Here, with Liam, there was a warmth I couldn¡¯t deny. But I also knew how fragile I could be if I relied too much on someone else¡¯s care. Suddenly, Noahughed loudly, his voice echoing through the room. I opened my eyes and turned, seeing him sitting on the floor hugging his stuffed toy, his legs swinging happily. A small smile tugged at my lips. At least, for Noah, being in this house was a joy. And maybe, just for now, I could learn to ept the kindness being offered, even if a part of me still wanted to keep my distance. I let out another soft breath, allowing all those feelings to mix without forcing myself to decide right away. This house wasn¡¯t mine, but that morning, somehow, it felt like a ce that could hold my weariness, even if only for a while. Then Liam stepped toward me, his eyes holding a serious gaze. ¡°Sienna, I think it¡¯s better if you stay here for now. I can take care of you, make sure you don¡¯t overexert yourself. Besides, I won¡¯t feel at ease knowing you¡¯re alone in your apartment while you¡¯re still recovering.¡± I swallowed, trying to form a reason. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine on my own, Liam. And I don¡¯t want to disrupt your routine.¡± Before I could continue, Noah suddenly chimed in, his wide eyes full of hope. ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t go back to the apartment. Just stay here with me and Daddy. I can take care of you too. I promise I won¡¯t be naughty.¡± Those simple words struck me right in the heart. Noah stood in front of me, his little hands clutching his small bag tightly, as if to show his sincerity. I froze, my resolve softening. How could I refuse when my own son was the one pleading like that? Noah¡¯s gaze seemed to pierce through all my defenses. There was a pure sincerity in his words that I couldn¡¯t turn away from, a request that came straight from the innocent heart of a child who only wanted his parents together. My shoulders slowly dropped, as though the weight I had been forcing myself to carry had finally slipped away. I looked away briefly, searching for something to hold onto in the room. The neat sofa, the sunlight spilling in through the window, the warm scent of the house, they all seemed to tie me closer. Everything appeared so simple, yet behind it was afort I couldn¡¯t find anywhere else. Noah still stood there, waiting, as if his whole world would fall apart if I said something that didn¡¯t match his hopes. Meanwhile, inside me, my heart¡¯s voices shed loudly, between the urge to keep my distance and the undeniable pull toward this fragile yet precious togetherness. I lowered my gaze slightly, looking at the little face that had always been my source of strength. In his eyes, I saw hope, and also the fear of being left behind. And I knew that no matter how much I wanted to protect myself from dependence, I couldn¡¯t hurt his heart just because of my own ego. 98 The air felt heavier in my chest, yet there was also warmth slowly filling the empty space. Perhaps, at least for now, epting Noah¡¯s wish wasn¡¯t a weakness. Maybe this was instead a way to give me time, time to truly heal, not only physically, but also my heart. I stepped closer to him. There was a mix of surrender and relief that made me realize that even though doubts still lingered, I didn¡¯t always have to fight. Sometimes, perhaps, I could allow myself to take shelter in this simple love. Liam added, his voice calm yet filled with conviction. ¡°You¡¯re not a burden, Sienna. I truly want to make sure you recover fully. And Noah will be much calmer with you here.¡± I lowered my head, letting out a long breath. On one hand, I didn¡¯t want to add to Liam¡¯s load. But on the other hand, there was afort I couldn¡¯t deny. Noah looked so happy, so hopeful. Finally, I nodded slowly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stay here for a while. But only until I¡¯ve fully recovered.¡± Sincerity 99 99 99 Sienna¡¯s POV Noah immediately cheered in delight. ¡°Yeay! Mommy¡¯s staying with us!¡± He hopped up and quickly grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the house. I couldn¡¯t stop a small smile from appearing at his excitement. That warmth seeped into my chest again, a feeling I hadn¡¯t had in a long time. Liam gave a faint smile, then opened the door. ¡°Wee home, Sienna.¡± I stepped inside with mixed feelings. There was still a part of me that wanted to keep my distance, but there was also another part slowly melting, because of Liam, because of Noah, and maybe because my heart was too tired of being alone. I stood frozen in front of that bedroom door. The room that had once been mine, a ce full of memories, and also of wounds. When I pushed it open slowly, a gentle scent of cleaner greeted me, no longer the stale air I had imagined. White curtains hung neatly, the afternoon light spilling in to reveal a room kept tidy as though untouched by anyone. Cam I stepped inside quietly, tracing every corner. The vanity on the right was still the same, the wooden wardrobe in the corner still standing firm. But something felt different. I no longer felt suffocated like before, only an emptiness that made the room feel unfamiliar. As if it had been waiting for its owner to return, though I had long considered it part of my past. I touched the bed, the same bed where I had once cried alone through countless nights. My fingers brushed against the smooth sheet, and for some reason, my chest tightened. I sat on the edge of the bed, letting myself sink into the flood of memories that suddenly surged forward. Every inch of this room had once been a witness, smallughter, heated arguments, and tears no one else ever saw. Nights when I stayed awake, staring at the ceiling, hoping something would change. Days when I stood before the mirror, pretending to be strong though I felt fragile inside. Now it all seemed distant, but the traces remained, faintly etched into the walls, the floor, the very air I breathed. No longer a choking pain, but a kind of bitter silence. Like a scar long healed, yet still leaving a mark that could never be erased. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to ept that this room was part of my journey, a part I once wanted to forget. But now I realized forgetting never meant erasing. Forgetting only meant looking away, while the wound stayed, waiting for moments like this to remind me of its presence. My fingers still rested on the sheet. It felt cold, unlike the warmth of Noah¡¯s embrace earlier. And there the difference, I was no longer alone. I was no longer trapped in this room as before. There was a way out now, a small hand leading me back to life. 99 Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes. The afternoon light streaming through the curtain felt softer, as if offering a new chance. Perhaps this room no longer had to be a ce of pain. Iy down for a moment, just to feel what it was like to be back in this bed. My chest was still heavy, but this time there was a little space to breathe. Not perfect, but enough to make me believe I could endure. A soft knock at the door startled me. ¡°Sienna, may I in?¡± Liam¡¯s voice came gently from outside. I turned quickly, exhaling before answering, ¡°Come in.¡± The door opened, and Liam stepped inside carrying a new gray nket and a white pillow that still smelled fresh. He walked toward the bed, cing everything down carefully. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if this room feels messy,¡± he said softly, ncing at me before smoothing the nket in his hands. ¡°But this room has always been cleaned. No one has ever used it since you left.¡± I held back the sudden surge of emotion. There was something in his voice that felt sincere, like a confession that this space had been deliberately preserved for me. He turned back, his gaze serious. ¡°If you¡¯re ufortable staying here, I can prepare another room for you. Don¡¯t force yourself.¡± I shook my head slowly, trying to smile though it was hard. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Liam. I¡¯ll be fine here.¡± He looked at me for a long moment, as if making sure I truly meant it. But in the end, he only nodded. ¡± Alright. I trust you. But remember, if you ever feel uneasy, tell me.¡± Silence lingered in the room for a moment before he cleared his throat softly. ¡°I¡¯ll prepare dinner. Take your time, rest for a while. You need it.¡± I only nodded again, unable to say much. As he walked out and gently closed the door, I remained seated on the edge of the bed. Quiet filled the room once more, broken only by the sound of my own breathing. I reached for the pillow Liam had just ced there, pressing my face into it. The scent of fresh fabric filled my senses, and my eyes stung with sudden warmth. So many memories were bound to this space, bitter ones I had long wished to forget. But now, somehow, the room no longer felt frightening. Maybe because Noah¡¯sughter echoed in this house, or maybe because Liam had left this ce open for me, never truly closing the door. I drew in a long breath before finally opening the bedroom door. After sitting alone for what felt like too long, I needed to step outside, to find a bit of calm beyond the walls heavy with memories. My steps were slow as I descended the stairs, and from the kitchen came the sound of pans and pots ttering together. I found Liam standing there, busy at the stove. The savory aroma of stir¨Cfry greeted me instantly, filling the dining space. His back was straight, his movements fluid, as though he was used to cooking. When I 99 hesitated at the doorway, he nced over his shoulder and smiled. ¡°Almost done,¡± he said lightly, as if to reassure me. ¡°Just sit, don¡¯t worry about a thing. Tonight, let me handle it.¡± I nodded faintly, then pulled out a chair and sat at the dining table, which connected seamlessly with the kitchen. An odd feeling stirred inside me, a mix offort and awkwardness. Rarely had I seen Liam like this, so rxed and warm. Not long after, the sound of small footsteps echoed down the corridor. Noah appeared, his hair a little messy, his eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°Mommy!¡± he called cheerfully before trotting over to me. I smiled and opened my arms, letting him settle onto the chair right beside me. Noah leaned against me yfully, resting his head against my arm for a moment. The warmth of his small body eased the heaviness I had carried all day. X Sincerity 100 100 Sienna¡¯s POV The dining table in front of me was now filled with the dishes Liam had just finished. The savory, fragrant aroma filled the dining room, making my stomach, which was still not very strong, feel the rumbling. Liam arranged everything neatly, even pouring soup into small bowls before sitting across from me. ¡°Noah, let¡¯s wash our hands before eating,¡± he said softly, looking at the child. Noah immediately jogged to the sink and returned with a beaming face. ¡°Okay, Daddy!¡± he eximed cheerfully. He then sat down beside me again, staring impatiently at the food. I just watched in silence. It felt strange sitting like this, at Liam¡¯s dining table, with Liam and Noah like aplete family. But in reality¡­ we¡¯d been apart for a long time, and there were many wounds that hadn¡¯t fully healed. However, this simple warmth filled my chest. ¡°Please eat, don¡¯t be shy,¡± Liam said, ncing at me. His gaze was serious yet warm, as if he truly wanted to make sure I was eating well. I nodded slightly, picked up the spoon, and slowly scooped up the soup, which still had a faint steam. It was soft, savory, slightly salty, but just right. A small surprise crept into my heart. ¡°This soup is delicious, ¡°I said unconsciously. The corners of Liam¡¯s lips curled up slightly. ¡°Thank goodness you like it. I made it light on purpose, so it wouldn¡¯t be too heavy on your stomach.¡± There was a brief pause. I looked down, hiding my suddenly warm face. I didn¡¯t know how long I hadn¡¯t felt such simple attention. I looked back down at the bowl of soup in front of me, letting the spoon move slowly, as if in that way I could hide the turmoil rising in my heart. Each mouthful brought afort that soothed not only my body but also my still¨Ctired soul. The warmth of the liquid seemed to seep into the corners of my feelings that I had kept frozen. Across the table, Liam ate quietly, his movements regr and simple, without trying to create excessive conversation. Instead, his silence created a safe space, allowing me to breathe without feeling pressured. Every now and then, he¡¯d nce at me or at Noah, as if to make sure we were okay. There were no big words, no promises, just small, tangible gestures of concern. Noah sat beside me, his face full of enthusiasm. He ate his food cheerfully, as if each dish was a great gift to him. The sound of his spoon against the bowl, the smallugh that emerged whenever he was satisfied with the taste, all filled the room, which had previously been filled with only the aroma of cooking, with a warm energy I couldn¡¯t describe. 100 It felt like I¡¯d returned to a time I¡¯d only imagined¨Ca simple dinner with the one I loved, without the shadow of emptiness. I let my gaze wander the room. The wooden table with simple carvings, the chandelier emitting a warm yellow light, and the clean walls with just enough decoration. There was no excessive luxury, but every corner exuded a sense of calm. This house truly reflected Liam¨Cneat, stable, quiet, yet always able to provide a sense of security. With each passing second, I realized how much I¡¯d longed for moments like this. Sitting at the dinner table, I felt the presence of someone who truly cared, not just as a guest in my life, but as a part of it. Although I still felt unfamiliar with my role here, a small part of me began to feel that perhaps I deserved this warmth, even if only temporarily. ¡°I love it!¡± Noah eximed, chewing with his mouth full, making me hold back a chuckle. He looked so happy, savoring every bite with infectious enthusiasm. I gently patted his back, reminding him to eat slowly. The dinner atmosphere was calm. Noah asionally chatted about small things that happened at school. Liam listened patiently, nodding along, asionally chiming in with brief questions and answers. I remained silent, enjoying their conversation. There was a sense of warmth and bitterness, because I should have had moments like this a long time ago. But now I was just a guest trying to fit in in the home that was once mine. Yet, somehow, I didn¡¯t feel any rejection. Instead, I felt epted. ¡°Are you still feeling sick?¡± Liam asked suddenly, his eyes staring intently at me. I was stunned for a moment before replying, ¡°It¡¯s better. It doesn¡¯t hurt as much anymore.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± He sighed softly, as if relieved by my answer. ¡°Then eat a little more. You need the energy to recover quickly.¡± I nodded. Inwardly, I was still trying to understand why he cared so much. Was it just a sense of responsibility? Or was there something more? The questions swirled in my mind without an answer. I tried to calm my thoughts as I scooped up a little more soup. Noah was still busy with his te, constantly showing how much he was enjoying tonight¡¯s meal. ¡°Noah, eat slowly. Don¡¯t choke,¡± I reminded him again with a smile. ¡°Yes, Mommy,¡± he replied briefly, but his spoon was still moving quickly. Liam chuckled softly at Noah¡¯s antics. ¡°He¡¯s always been so enthusiastic about eating. He¡¯s always been like that,¡± he said, his gaze briefly flicking to me. I just smiled faintly. ¡°I remember. He used to get angry if he atete.¡± 100 Noah turned around in surprise. ¡°Was it me, Mommy?¡± I nodded, stroking his hair. ¡°Yeah, when you were little, you were always fussy when you were hungry.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s the same as now,¡± Liam added, cing another side dish on Noah¡¯s te. Noah chuckled, seemingly proud of thatment. ¡°Yeah, because Daddy¡¯s food is delicious!¡± he eximed innocently. That remark brought a brief silence to the dining table. I could see Liam¡¯s eyes soften upon hearing Noah¡¯s words. Meanwhile, I¡­ could only look down, pretending to be busy with my te so as not to get too caught up in my rising emotions. ¡°If you¡¯re full, don¡¯t force it,¡± Liam turned back to me. His voice was soft, almost making my chest tighten. ¡°I can save the rest forter.¡± I nodded, running my fingers along the edge of the spoon. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll eat as much as I can.¡± Noah suddenly nudged my arm gently. ¡°Mommy, let¡¯s eat together again tomorrow, okay? I like it when Mommy sits here.¡± I turned to him, my heart squeezing. ¡°We¡¯ll see, honey.¡± Liam remained silent, but I could feel his heavy gaze on me. The atmosphere at the dining table slowly slowed down, signaling that dinner was almost over. However, a warm and slightly suffocating, feeling lingered in the air, refusing to let go. 101 Sincerity 101 101 Sienna¡¯s POV When dinner ended, I stared at the table, now filled with empty tes. It had been a long time since I¡¯d felt such warmth. Something as simple as eating together was so meaningful. I smiled slightly, though I didn¡¯t dare look directly at Liam. What was certain was that tonight, I knew there was a part of me wavering again, one that desperately wanted to believe that this togetherness was still possible. ¡°I¡¯ll clean this up,¡± Liam said, standing up. His hands were already reaching for some dirty tes. I instinctively stood up too. ¡°Let me help. At least I can¡­¡± But my sentence was cut off by Liam¡¯s sharp yet gentle nce. ¡°No need. You¡¯ve been tired enough today. Trust me, you¡¯ll be a huge help if you just go to bed.¡± I fell silent, my lips parting slightly, then closing again with a soft sigh. I felt a small debate brewing inside me between wanting to express my gratitude through action and epting the fact that my body was still weak. I had no reason to argue with him. ¡°Okay,¡± I finally replied, my voice low. ¡°Noah,¡± Liam called, turning to the boy. ¡°You should get ready for bed too. You have school tomorrow, right?¡± But Noah turned to me instead, his eyes sparkling with hope. ¡°But I want Mommy to read a book first.¡± I froze. The words that fell from his tiny lips both struck a chord and warmed my heart. It had been a long time since I¡¯d heard him address me so intimately, so naturally. It was like there was no distance between us. I nced at Liam, afraid he might object. But he just smiled faintly and nodded. ¡°If Mommy wants, go ahead. But don¡¯t stay too long, okay? He needs his rest.¡± I sighed softly, then looked down at Noah. ¡°Okay. Just one story, okay?¡± ¡°Yay!¡± he eximed, jumping slightly. He then grabbed my hand and pulled me excitedly toward his room. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a warm, colorful small room. Toys were arranged on the shelves, and several robots were lined up above the bed. It felt both strange and familiar that I no longer lived here, but I knew this little world belonged to Noah. ¡°Noah, which book do you want to read?¡± I asked, sitting on the edge of his bed. He hurriedly took a picture book from his nightstand and handed it to me. ¡°This one. About a kind 101 dragon.¡± I smiled faintly, opened the first page, and began to read. My voice was hesitant at first, but then it flowed more smoothly as Noah¡¯s eyes focused on me, listening to every word. I stared at the colorful cover, which depicted a green dragon with a wide smile. ¡°Wow, this dragon looks so friendly. Are you sure this is a dragon, Noah? Aren¡¯t dragons usually scary?¡± I asked, pretending to frown. Noah chuckled, shaking his head quickly. ¡°No, Mommy. This is a kind dragon. He doesn¡¯t get angry.¡± I smiled back, then began reading the first page. ¡°In a small vige, there lived a dragon who was different from other dragons. He never burned forests or bothered humans. Instead, he liked to help little children.¡± Noah tucked himself tighter under the nket, his eyes sparkling. ¡°Like me, huh? He likes to help Mommy.¡± I suppressed a warm smile and nodded. ¡°Yeah, just like Noah. You¡¯re a kind boy too.¡± He blushed, briefly covered his face with the nket, then quickly said, ¡°Go on, Mommy, go on!¡± I continued, ¡°One night, the vige was shrouded in darkness. The lights were out, and the children were scared. But the little dragon came, blowing a gentle me just enough to light, not burn.¡± Noah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°He¡¯s like a shlight, isn¡¯t he, Mommy?¡± I chuckled. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. A shlight dragon.¡± ¡°Noah has a shlight too! It¡¯s blue, in the drawer over there.¡± He pointed to the small table beside the bed. I nced in the direction he was pointing, then said softly, ¡°Then Noah is just like this dragon. Always ready to protect, not scare.¡± He nodded firmly, then quickly tugged on my arm. ¡°Mommy, does that dragon get along with the kids?¡± I turned the next page, smiling. ¡°Yes, he likes to y hide¨Cand¨Cseek with the kids. But he always loses because he¡¯s too big to hide.¡± Noahughed out loud, the sound filling the small room. ¡°Poor dragon! But it¡¯s cute.¡± I smiled too, seeing his innocent, happy face. ¡°But that dragon is never sad. He¡¯s happy just to make the kidsugh. That¡¯s enough for him.¡± Slowly, hisughter began to subside. His round eyes now looked heavier, slowly closing despite his best efforts to stay awake. ¡°Mommy¡­ the dragon is so nice,¡± he whispered sleepily. 101 The light from the nightlight made the atmosphere feel even warmer. Noah smiled asionally, his sparkling as I imitated the dragon¡¯s voice in a deep tone. His chuckles made my chest flutter. eyes I almost forgot what it felt like to read to him. Back when everything was still intact, I often did moments like this. Now, when I did it again, my heart felt fragile. A pang of regret crept in, regretting having left behind the most precious part of my life. But Noah didn¡¯t know any of that. All he knew was that tonight I was here, beside him, reading a book until his eyes started to feel heavy. When I reached thest page, I closed the book slowly. ¡°I¡¯m done, son. Now go to sleep, okay?¡± Noah yawned softly, then snuggled into his nket. ¡°Mommy,¡± he called sleepily. I bent down, brushed some of the hair off his forehead, and kissed him gently. ¡°Yes, honey?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go far again.¡± My chest immediately tightened. I fell silent, trying to control the sudden surge of emotion. My fingers gripped his tiny, warm hand. ¡°No, Mommy¡¯s here. Go to sleep, I promise I won¡¯t go anywhere.¡± Noah smiled slightly, then his eyes closed, his breathing bing even. I sat beside him for a moment, staring at his innocent, peaceful face in his sleep. There was a sense of peace and a hurt that was hard to exin. The hurt of having caused him the loss of his mother, and the peace that now I had another chance to make it up to him. I slowly stood up, put the book back on the small table, and walked out of the room, my heart still trembling. Outside the door, I could faintly hear the sound of dishes ttering from the kitchen, Liam still busy cleaning up alone. Sincerity 102 Sienna¡¯s POV I woke up with a feeling that was hard to describe. My eyes slowly opened, staring at the ceiling of the room that had once witnessed so much pain as well as memories. The air inside felt different, colder, more distant. Even though the nket wrapped tightly around me, my heart felt empty, as if I were still caught between a dream and reality. This room used to be the ce where I often cried alone, holding back a heartache that never found words. Now, after so long, I had returned to sleep within its walls. It felt strange. I was no longer the same Sienna, but the shadows of the past seemed to cling to every corner. I drew in a long breath, trying to brush away the weight pressing on my chest. Slowly, I rose from the bed, my feet meeting the cold floor. There was a faint aroma of wood and fabric lingering in the air. The room hadn¡¯t changed much, the walls still wore the soft color I had once chosen myself, the wooden wardrobe still stood firm in the corner, and the sheer curtains swayed gently whenever the wind passed. Only I had changed, the woman standing here was no longer the same. My eyes wandered around, sweeping over every detail that was so familiar yet felt foreign. My chest tightened when they fell upon the small table by the bed. Back then, I would leave little notes there notes filled with prayers, hopes, and pain I could never say aloud. Now, the table was empty, as if it too had kept the secrets I had left behind years ago. I sat on the edge of the bed, letting my fingers trace the cool fabric of the sheets. Old memories returned nights when I sobbed quietly, afraid my voice would be heard. Nights when I had wished for a hand to hold mine, to steady me, but all I found was silence. That feeling still lingered, still left its mark, even as I told myself I was stronger now. ¡°Why did Ie back here?¡± I whispered faintly, almost as if asking myself. No answer came, except for the trembling of my own heart. Perhaps because I had never truly dared to close this door. I rose slowly, stepping toward therge mirror fixed to the wardrobe. My reflection stared back at me, a face older, eyes carrying too many stories, lips pressed tight to hold back words. I studied myself for a long time, searching for the difference between the Sienna of then and now. But the longer I looked, the more it felt like nothing had changed. The wounds were still there, only hidden better. Closing my eyes, I pressed a hand to my chest. ¡°I¡¯m not that woman anymore. I¡¯m not her,¡± I whispered to my reflection. But the words sounded fragile, as though I was trying to convince myself of something I didn¡¯t fully believe. Cold air slipped through the gap in the window, making me shiver. I returned to the bed, pulling the nket around me as I sat hugging my knees. This room felt like it wanted to swallow me whole with all the memories and scars it held. Yet at the same time, I knew this was exactly where I needed to be, to 102 face it all. I gazed at the ceiling again. Somehow, a small part of me hoped that by returning to this room, I might finally find peace with the past. Though heavy, maybe this was the beginning of something different. I stepped out of the room. The hallway of this house felt the same, yet different, as if it had aged without
  1. me.
When I reached the dining room, I found Liam already seated there. He was dressed simply, holding a cup of coffee in his left hand, his eyes weary yet alert. The moment he noticed me, he quickly set the cup down. ¡°Sienna,¡± his voice carried a trace of panic, almost rushed. ¡°Are you okay? Do you need something? Do you want breakfast now?¡± I froze for a moment at his overreaction. A strange warmth mixed with bitterness stirred in me as I realized how closely he still watched over me. Slowly, I offered a small smile, trying to calm him. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied softly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not very hungry yet. Let¡¯s take it slow.¡± But Liam¡¯s expression remained serious. He looked at me as if weighing whether I was telling the truth or simply holding back. After a few seconds of silence, he finally stood, letting out a brief sigh. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll make you some juice. It¡¯s lighter.¡± I instinctively tried to refuse. ¡°Liam, you don¡¯t need to bother. I¡­¡± But before I could finish, he was already moving into the kitchen. His movements were brisk, filled with energy, as though making juice for me was the most important task of the morning. All I could do was watch his back as he busied himself, and somehow, my protest no longer seemed necessary. There was determination in his face, something that made it hard for me to take this away from him. So I stayed quiet, letting him. I remained seated at the table, my fingers tracing the cool edge of the wood. The sounds from the kitchen reached me faintly the fridge door opening, the clink of ss, the soft thud of fruit being cut, then the steady hum of the blender. Together they formed a morning rhythm that was both unfamiliar and soothing. Something stirred in my chest. Small acts of care like this perhaps they had once happened often, but I couldn¡¯t recall when I hadst felt them. Back then, we argued constantly, even over small things. But now Liam seemed so different, calmer, more patient, as if a new space had opened within him that I had never known before. I leaned back, letting my eyes rest on the sunlight streaming through the thin curtains, casting gentle patterns across the floor. It felt warm, yet heavy. I wanted to believe Liam¡¯s kindness was genuine, but a part of me remained afraid, asking: was this only temporary? 102 634 The blender stopped, reced by the sounds of Liam¡¯s footsteps moving again. He was likely pouring the juice into a ss, arranging it with his quiet, meticulous care. I could only sit there, waiting, my heart beating faster for reasons I couldn¡¯t exin. For a moment, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Beneath all the confusion, a small part of my heart whispered: maybe, just maybe, I still wanted to believe in the togetherness that had once been lost. It didn¡¯t take long before he returned, carrying two sses of fresh juice. He set them on the dining table, pushing one toward me. ¡°Here. I hope the taste is okay,¡± he said softly, though I caught a hint of tension in his eyes. I reached for the ss slowly. The coolness of the juice touched my fingers, bringing a simple sensation that, for some reason, felt soothing. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said atst. 103 Sincerity 103 Sienna¡¯s POV Liam only nodded, then sat back down in his chair. Now we sat facing each other, each with a ss in hand. Silence filled the room for a while, broken only by the chirping of birds outside the window and the asional ticking of the clock on the wall. I took a small sip of the juice. It was refreshing, naturally sweet, with a faint tang at the tip of my tongue. Strangely, it grounded me a little, as if my body had truly returned to this ce, no longer just a shadow. I nced at Liam. His head was lowered, one hand wrapped around his half¨Cfinished cup of coffee. His face looked tired, yet there was a certain calmness I rarely saw in him before. Holding my ss of juice, a flood of emotions rushed through me. Sitting here with him like this, saying so little, reminded me of moments long lost. Perhaps it was just another ordinary morning for Liam. But for me, this morning felt unusual, a quiet beginning, slowly trying to mend the empty spaces within me. And though I still felt out of ce in this house, sitting at the dining table with him gave me a fragment of peace I hadn¡¯t felt in years. I stared into the pale orange liquid in my ss, letting my cold fingers slowly warm against the condensation on the ss. Each sip brought freshness, as if washing away the heaviness still clinging to me fromst night. Yet, I couldn¡¯t deny, the thing unsettling me the most wasn¡¯t the juice, but Liam sitting across from me. He sat quietly, shoulders slightly slumped, as though carrying a weight he didn¡¯t want me to see. His coffee sat neglected, its steam already fading. I wondered what he was thinking. Did he feel just as awkward as I did? Or was this nothing more than routine to him, taking care of someone who had once mattered in his life? I leaned back into my chair, trying to convince myself not to get lost in these thoughts. But it was difficult. My eyes secretly searched for him, tracing the sharper lines of his jaw than before, his hair cut shorter, and the way he asionally tapped the rim of his cup with his finger, a habit he still carried after all this time. An odd warmth rose inside me, no matter how hard I tried to suppress it. The kitchen felt simple this morning, the sunlight streaming in through the small window reflected off the wooden table, casting soft silhouettes around us. No sound filled the air except the ticking of the clock and the rhythm of our breaths. Strangely, the silence didn¡¯t make me want to leave. Instead, I wanted to linger, even though I knew it was dangerous for my heart. I drank more of the juice this time. Its sweet¨Csour taste tingled lightly on my tongue, but my heart only grew more restless. Questions itched at my lips, about us, about why he was being so attentive, about whether this was just responsibility or something deeper. But the words wouldn¡¯te. I was afraid the answers might shatter the fragile calm I was clinging to. 103 Liam stayed quiet, his gaze not quite meeting mine, yet I could feel his presence fully at this table. As if he, too, was weighing something unspoken. I drew in a long breath, then lowered my head, tracing the condensation on my ss with my thumb. Let this morning stay simple. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t yet the time to ask the bigger questions. Somehow, even without words, I felt this morning had left something between us. Something soft, fleeting, but enough to make me want to stay just a little longer. The fragile silence was broken sooner than I expected, by the sound of small footsteps running down the hallway. I turned toward it. ¡°Noah?¡± I murmured. Momentster, the small figure appeared, his hair still tousled, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw me. Without hesitation, he ran straight to me, and before I could react, he was already standing at my side. ¡°Mommy!¡± he eximed brightly, his voice bursting with morning cheer. My heart nearly melted at that single word. My hand reached out instinctively, stroking his warm little head. ¡°What is it, sweetheart?¡± I asked gently, though my heart was pounding strangely. His small face tilted up, his round eyes full of hope. ¡°Mommy, you¡¯lle to my school farewell tomorrow, right?¡± His question left me stunned. I blinked a few times, trying to process his words. A school farewell? I hadpletely forgotten. Guilt struck me hard. I had been so wrapped up in my own pain that something this important had slipped my mind. ¡°Noah.¡± My voice was barely a whisper. But before I could answer, Liam sitting across the table spoke first. His tone was calm, yetced with hesitation. ¡°Noah, Mommy is still sick. So maybe Mommy can¡¯te, sweetheart.¡± It was as if all the light drained from Noah¡¯s face in an instant. His cheerful smile vanished, his eyes dropped to the floor, and his small shoulders slumped. I could feel the weight of his disappointment even before he said a word. His heart was still so pure, so easy to read. And seeing him like that felt like a knife twisting inside me. My guilt piled higher and higher. How could I bear to let him miss such an important moment, one he should be able to cherish? Without thinking twice, I bent down to him, gently brushing my hand through his hair. ¡°Mommy will go, sweetheart,¡± I said atst, softly but firmly. His little head lifted instantly. ¡°Really, Mommy?¡± 103 I gave him a faint smile, though inside me doubt and fear churned. ¡°Yes. Mommy will be there for you.¡® His cheer burst out at once, hisughter filling the dining room. Noah threw his arms around me, his small body warm against mine. ¡°Yay! Mommy¡¯sing! Mommy¡¯sing!¡± he shouted, brimming with joy. I hugged him back, fighting the tears that stung at the corners of my eyes. How easily he could be made happy by a single promise, when I myself wasn¡¯t sure if my body was truly ready. But how could I say no, when his happiness depended on me? Amid Noah¡¯s excitedughter, I heard Liam¡¯s voice. Calm, but this time more serious. ¡°Sienna, are you sure?¡± I turned to him. His eyes were locked on me, sharp, as if trying to see straight into my heart. Worry was written clearly there, but so was a helplessness, because he knew how much that promise meant to Noah. I nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sure.¡± The words came out almost on their own, though I felt the tremor inside me. I knew Liam didn¡¯t fully believe me, but I also knew I couldn¡¯t take back my promise. Not after seeing the joy on Noah¡¯s face, a joy so raretely. I looked back at Noah, still bouncing on his feet, his excitement radiating. It was warm, yet bittersweet. His happiness was so simple, and yet the weight of my responsibility to not disappoint him again pressed down on me heavily. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 104 Sienna¡¯s POV This morning was different than usual. As soon as I opened my eyes, the sound of Noah jogging down the hall was clear to hear. He was so excited, even before I could fully get out of bed. ¡°Mommy! Hurry, Mommy! Today¡¯s goodbye!¡± he called out, knocking on my bedroom door. I smiled slightly, a warm feeling filling my chest. Waking up to my son¡¯s enthusiasm gave me a strong reason to keep going, even though my body still often felt weak. I quickly got ready, choosing a simple, soft¨Ccolored dress and styling my hair so it didn¡¯t look too tangled. When I exited the room, I found Liam already dressed up in a blue shirt that made him look fresh. He turned and smiled faintly, his gaze softening when he saw me. ¡°Are you ready?¡± he asked. I nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. Now, Noah is all that¡¯s left.¡± But before I could continue, Noah appeared in his neat school uniform and a wide, unconceble smile. I¡¯m handsome, right, Mommy?¡± he asked confidently, his eyes sparkling with pride. I bent my knees to be level with him and adjusted his slightly crooked shirt cor. ¡°Of course, you look the most handsome today,¡± I said, kissing his forehead. His face lit up, and it made me chuckle too. It wasn¡¯t long before the three of us were out to the car. The morning air was crisp and the sky was clear, as if this day had been specially prepared for Noah. As I sat in the passenger seat, I could see in the rearview mirror how Noah was smiling nonstop, staring out the window with infectious enthusiasm. I sighed softly and nced at Liam, who was driving calmly. There was a strange feeling in my chest, a mix of nervousness, emotion, and a little fear. This was the first time I¡¯d been to Noah¡¯s important moment in a long time. But seeing how happy he was, I knew I¡¯d made the right decision. Today wasn¡¯t about me, not about hurt or the past. Today was about Noah, about the happiness he deserved, undisturbed by anything. I clenched my fingers in myp and smiled a little. Yes, I would be there for him. No matter what. The car drove slowly along the bustling streets. The sound of the enginebined with the rush of the morning breezeing in through the small window beside Noah, which he had deliberately opened slightly. His soft hair fluttered lightly, and his eyes kept sparkling, as if the world outside the ss was a wonder. ¡°Daddy, look! There are red balloons at that store!¡± Noah eximed, pointing to a small stall on the side of the road. Liam nced briefly, then smiled faintly. ¡°Yeah, I see them. Do you want some balloons too?¡± ¡± Noah shook his head quickly. ¡°No,ter. Today I want to focus on school.¡± I turned to him, smiling along with him at his sincerity. ¡°Wow, Noah¡¯s grown so much. Mommy¡¯s proud of you.¡± The boy immediately blushed and lowered his head, but his smile remained. ¡°Because Mommy¡¯sing so Noah has to be enthusiastic.¡± His words made my heart sink and warm at the same time. I nced at Liam, who seemed tense for a moment behind the wheel. He didn¡¯t say anything, just elerated slightly. I knew Noah¡¯s simple words could move anyone, including him. The atmosphere fell silent again for a moment, filled only by the soft melody of music ying on the radio. I leaned my head against the window, gazing at the rows of trees lining the street. My thoughts drifted, about lost days, about how often I¡¯d missed moments like this. It felt both foreign and familiar. ¡°Noah, have you memorized the song?¡± Liam finally asked, breaking the silence. The boy nodded firmly. ¡°Yes! Noah keeps practicing with his friends.¡± He then turned to me, his eyes full of enthusiasm. ¡°Mommy, do you want to hear me practice a little?¡± Iughed softly. ¡°Of course.¡± Without hesitation, Noah broke into a soft sing¨Csong, his voice still innocent, sometimes off¨Ckey, but full of sincerity. I felt my chest flutter as I listened. That simple song, about friendship and separation, sounded so profounding from my own son. I nced discreetly at Liam. He wasn¡¯t singing, not joining in, but I could see his hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. There was something about his face, a mix of pride and bitterness, that made me pause. When Noah finished, I pped my hands together. ¡°That was great! Mommy¡¯s sure everyone will love it.¡± Noahughed, his face flushed. ¡°Thanks, Mommy.¡± The journey continued, and I began to notice little things: the way Liam asionally nced in the rearview mirror to make sure Noah was okay, the way Noah leaned out the window to take in every new sight, and the way I silently tried tomit it all to memory. ¡°Can we eat together after the event?¡± Noah asked suddenly. I paused. ¡°Of course, if Daddy agrees.¡± Liam nced over briefly, his eyes meeting mine for a split second, then returned to the road. ¡°We¡¯ll see. If Mommy isn¡¯t too tired.¡± I bit my lip, unsure of what to feel. There was concern in his voice, but also a palpable distance. 104 Noah didn¡¯t care; he already seemed happy at the mere prospect. ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s eat together again!¡± I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Today was all about Noah. And I was determined not to let anything ruin it. The car continued to move, bringing us closer to the school and, at the same time, closer to the realization that this simple joy might be more fragile than it seems. The school looked even more festive than usual when we arrived. Colorful balloons were neatly tied along the gate, and a small stage had already been erected in the field, decorated with soft blue and white fabric. Cheerful music wafted faintly from the speakers, mixed with theughter and shouts of children running around in their neat uniforms. Noah was so excited he almost forgot to hold my hand. ¡°Come on, Mommy! Hurry! I have to meet my friends!¡± he eximed, half running. I smiled, letting go of his grip. ¡°Go, honey. Mommy will sit with Daddy over there.¡± Noah nodded quickly, then ran toward the small group of children already being guided by their teacher. I followed his gaze until his small body finally joined his friends. There was a warm sense of pride, mixed with a hard¨Cto¨Cdescribe emotion. Liam gently touched my arm. ¡°Let¡¯s sit over there,¡± he said, pointing to the guest chairs neatly arranged in front of the stage. I nodded, following his lead. We sat side by side, close enough to see Noah¡¯s face clearly. Shortly after, the event began. The principal gave a brief wee, followed by several opening performances. I felt time slow down as my heart pounded erratically, waiting for Noah to take the stage. Finally, it was Noah¡¯s group¡¯s turn. I held my breath as I heard his name. The children stepped onto the stage in neat, simple, colorful costumes. Noah stood in the center row, his face beaming with a wide, unfailing smile. As the music began, they began to sing. Their small voices blended together, though not always in rhythm, but that was the beauty of it. I stared at Noah, my eyes welling up with tears. Seeing him standing there, so confident, so full of enthusiasm, made my chest flutter. The small stage in the school hall was decorated with colorful balloons and a simple white cloth hung behind it. In the audience, parents sat in neat rows, some busily setting up their cell phone cameras to record their children¡¯s performance. I could feel my heart rate increase as Noah¡¯s name was called by the teacher who was hosting the event. ¡°Noah and group three, pleasee up to the stage.¡± The little boy stepped forward with his friends. His white and blue uniform looked a little too big in the shoulders, making him look even more petite. But his stride was steady. His hair was still a bit messy, 104 even though I¡¯d styled it this morning, and that actually made him look adorable. 105 Sincerity 105 105 Sienna¡¯s POV I gripped my phone tighter, turning on the recording. Beside me, I knew Liam was also recording from a different angle. We were both focused on the small figure now standing in the front row of the stage. Soft music began to y. The children began singing in their innocent voices. I immediately looked for Noah, and there he was, singing with full enthusiasm, though his voice sometimesgged behind by half a beat. His eyes asionally nced toward the audience, and when he spotted us, his face lit up. His free hand waved a small wave, making me almost unable to hold back the tears. I smiled, raising my hand in return, trying to channel courage through that simple gesture. I nced at Liam. He looked down slightly, but I caught a faint smile on his face, a smile I rarely saw. ¡°Noah seems so confident,¡± I whispered, half to myself. Liam just nodded, his eyes never leaving the stage. ¡°He¡¯s like that when he knows someone¡¯s backing him.¡± The sentence was short, but it struck a chord deep within me. I was acutely aware that I¡¯d missed so many moments with Noah. And today, I was trying to make up for it. The first song ended, greeted by thunderous apuse from the parents. The children smiled proudly, including Noah. But it didn¡¯t stop there. The teacher then gave the cue, and they began to change formation to dance. I held back a chuckle as I watched Noah try to follow his friends¡® movements. His steps were sometimes half a secondte, and his arms weren¡¯t always straight as instructed, but that made him even more adorable. He danced intently, his face full of concentration. Every now and then, he¡¯d nce in our direction, as if to make sure we were still paying attention. Every time our eyes met, I always smiled, gave a thumbs¨Cup, or nodded, signaling that I was there, with him. ¡°He looks so happy,¡± Liam whispered, his voice almost drowned out by the children¡¯s singing. I nodded, my eyes never leaving the stage. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve never seen him this bright.¡± Liam didn¡¯t add anything else, but I could feel the warmth of his presence. Sitting next to him was like a reminder that I wasn¡¯t alone on this journey. He was there, silently supporting me from afar. The song ended to thunderous apuse from the parents and teachers. The children bowed slightly, their faces filled withughter. Noah seemed the most enthusiastic, even jumping up and down before leaving the stage. I pressed the pause button on my phone and stared at the screen disying the short recording. Tears 105 threatened to fall, but I quickly wiped them away, not wanting Noah to see me crying when he returned. Noah jogged from the stage, stumbling slightly from his excitement. His hair was a mess, his cheeks red from exhaustion, but his wide smile never faded. As soon as he saw me, he lunged for me, hugging my waist tightly. ¡°Mommy, I saw you earlier! You pped the loudest!¡± he eximed cheerfully. I chuckled, bending down to return the hug. ¡°Of course. Mommy is so proud of Noah.¡± I patted his back, feeling his tiny body tremble with energy. Liam arrived a few secondster and patted Noah gently on the head. ¡°You were amazing on stage. Everyone saw it.¡± Noah looked up at him, his eyes sparkling. ¡°Daddy recorded it, right?¡± Liam held up his phone and nodded. ¡°Of course. You can watch itter at home.¡± The boy gave a small, happy jump, then turned back to me. ¡°Mommy recorded it too?¡± I nodded, showing him my phone screen. ¡°Yeah, Mommy recorded it all. So we can watch it together Noah¡¯s face lit up, and he hugged me again, this time longer. There was something about that hug that made my chest flutter. It was like he wanted to make sure I was really there for him, not just a fleeting illusion. I closed my eyes and returned the hug tightly, silently promising to keep this together as best as I could. Some of the other kids started running towards their parents, and the hall was abuzz withughter and conversation. The teachers were busy organizing, making sure everyone saw their families. I sat for a moment in my chair, letting Noah tell me at length what happened on stage, how he¡¯d made a misstep but didn¡¯t notice, how his friend had almost forgotten the lyrics, and how he¡¯d tried so hard to smile to appear confident. I just listened, smiling the entire time. Every word that came out of his mouth was a gift to me. Liam asionally slipped in briefments, adding small details that made Noah even more excited. I realized that, even though we didn¡¯t talk much, just being by Noah¡¯s side was what he needed most. As the show began to end, one by one the parents got up, leading their children home. I reached for my hand, and Noah immediately held it tightly, while he extended the other to Liam. Watching him walk among us, smiling contentedly, made me realize, though I still had much to face, this small step today was enough to open a new door. Before I finally exited the hall, I nced briefly at the now¨Cempty stage. The image of Noah from earlier was still vivid in my mind. I took a deep breath, then walked again. This time, with a lighter heart. 105 In the car, the atmosphere was so peaceful. Noah, who had been so excited on stage, was now asleep in the back seat, his small body tilted and breathing evenly. His head swayed slightly to the rhythm of the road, and I nced over briefly to make sure he wasfortable. The thin nket Liam always brought in the car was draped over Noah, making him look even more peaceful. I looked out the window again. The view of the passing street seemed to distract me from the chaotic thoughts in my head. There was no sound, just the steady hum of the car engine. I could feel something in my chest, like a strange, lingering tapping, but I didn¡¯t know what to call it. Suddenly, Liam¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Sienna,¡± he called softly. I turned my head, slightly startled by his serious tone. ¡°Yes?¡± He took a deep breath, his fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly. ¡°Do you want toe back?¡± The question froze me. My heart was pounding, so loud I could hear it. ¡°Come back?¡± I repeated, barely a whisper. Liam nced up briefly, then returned his gaze to the road. ¡°I know I¡¯ve made mistakes. I know I¡¯ve let you down. But I¡¯ll change, Sienna. I¡¯ll be better. I want us to be together again, for Noah and for us.¡± His words hit me more deeply than I ever expected. I lowered my head, tears falling uncontrobly. I¡¯d always thought our journey was over, that I¡¯d have to walk alone, no matter how hard it was. But hearing Liam¡¯s honesty tonight, I felt my defenses crumble. I covered my face with my palms, trying to control my sobs. ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about this before.¡± My voice cracked. Liam didn¡¯t press, just waited. I could feel his sincerity in the way he spoke, in the gentle tremor in his voice. I took a deep breath, looking up at him with still¨Cwet eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± I finally said, quietly but clearly. Liam turned quickly, his eyes widening in disbelief, before a faint but relieved smile spread across his face. I couldn¡¯t hold back the tears that poured down my face, but this time, they were mixed with relief. X The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 106 +15 BONUS 106 Sienna¡¯s POV The car stopped in front of the house. The night was calm, the wind only whispering lightly through the leaves, and I thought we could just walk in without a second thought, taking Noah straight to his warm room. But we stopped. There was someone there. A woman stood right in front of the house, under the soft, but enough light of the porch light to make out her face clearly. Her slender body, standing confidently, her hair neatly styled, and her dress luxuriously, clearly not just any guest. Emily. My heart was pounding, but not out of jealousy. More because I was unprepared. Just a few hours ago, Liam had said the words that shook my entire world, we had just taken one step home. Now here she was. I stood still beside the car, my fingers still sping Noah¡¯s hand, which was starting to droop tiredly. He was oblivious, his eyes half¨Cclosed, his head tilted toward me. But my gaze was fixed on that figure, Emily. The porch light fell directly on her face, emphasizing everything that had been only a vague image in my mind. Elegant. Neatly arranged. It was as if he was meant to stand there, in a ce that had always felt foreign to me. My body stiffened, as if unsure of where to go. Liam, beside me, stopped just as abruptly. His movements were halted, his shoulders tense, as if the air around him had suddenly grown heavier. There was no sound except the faint ticking of the clock inside the house. I took a deep breath, trying to maintain a calm expression. But inside, my heart was trembling. A strange feeling had crept in, a mix of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. What I had thought would be a simple night had turned into somethingplicated just because of one figure. Emily stood not far from the door, her position as if deliberately waiting. Her hands dangled at her sides, her slender fingers glistening in the reflection of the light. There was no friendly smile, but no anger either. Only a calmness that made it even more difficult for me to guess her purpose. I nced at Noah. He was rubbing his eyes, muttering softly. His innocent face made my heart flutter even more. He had no idea what was happening. To him, tonight was just the end of a long day, filled withughter and happiness. He wanted to go home, to sleep somewhere safe. I couldn¡¯t let Emily¡¯s presence take that away from him. But my feet refused to let me move. I stood beside the car, my body held back by something invisible. Images of the past and possible futures collided in my mind. What if Emily¡¯s presence wasn¡¯t just a casual visit? What if everything I¡¯d just begun to build with Noah, and with Liam, would crumble before it could solidify? 1/4 106 The night air grew colder. The wind rustled the leaves, creating a soft sound that seemed tough at my silence. I bent down slightly, stroking Noah¡¯s head. That small gesture was my way of holding on, pretending I still had control. Liam took a step first, but only one. Then he stopped, straightening. I saw the tense side of his face, his jaw clenched. There was something about him he was trying to hide, but it was clear to me, a feeling of unpreparedness. Emily remained silent. She didn¡¯t move, just staring at us, as if waiting for the right moment to what? I didn¡¯t know. But that look was enough to make me want to turn around, get back in the car, run as far away as possible. But I couldn¡¯t. Not tonight. Noah gripped my hand tighter, and in that grip I found a reason to stay. Even though my whole body was screaming to leave, I knew I had to be here. No matter what happened, I couldn¡¯t run anymore. I straightened, staring straight ahead. The first step was heavy, but I forced my feet to move. Noah remained in my arms, his head now resting on my shoulder, warm and trusting. Each step closer made the air around me grow denser. It was like an invisible wall between Emily and me, one that could only be broken through with courage I didn¡¯t yet fully possess. But I knew, tonight I had no other choice. The house was behind her, Emily was before me, and my future was in my hands, in a child who just wanted to go home. So I kept walking, though my heart was beating so loudly I thought the whole night could hear it. Emily smiled faintly, then looked at Liam. ¡°Liam,¡± her voice was soft, almost a whisper in the night breeze. ¡°I miss you.¡± I froze. The words hit me like a sudden storm. But before I could catch my breath, Emily¡¯s eyes caught mine and then fell on Noah, who was holding my hand tightly. A look of surprise immediately crossed her face. ¡°Why is Sienna here?¡± she asked, hesitantly, her voice no longer as gentle as before, now filled with disbelief. Liam took a deep breath, one hand instinctively grabbing my arm as if to signal me to stay by his side. ¡°Emily, why are you here?¡± he asked tly, but I could sense the coldness in his tone, deliberately maintaining politeness. Emily smiled wryly, ¡°My work is done. I¡¯m done thinking too.¡± She stared at Liam for a moment longer, as if trying to find the answer in his eyes. ¡°I think I know what I want. But why is Sienna here, Liam?¡± Liam and I stared at each other. The silence between us felt long, as if words wouldn¡¯te out, even 106 +15 BONUS though thousands of thoughts were already colliding in my head. Then Noah¡¯s voice broke it all. ¡°Mommy and Daddy are getting back together!¡± he eximed loudly, with a pure, innocent enthusiasm thatpletely ignored theplexity of the situation. ¡°Mommy ising back to live here!¡± Emily¡¯s face froze, her eyes wide, and she even took a small step back. I froze not because Noah misspoke, but because his voice sounded like a giant hammer smashing through the wall I was still trying to erect. Then, without Liam or I having a chance to respond, Noah red at Emily with his small, pouting face and said firmly, ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t get close to Daddy anymore! Daddy is only for Mommy!¡± ¡°Oh my God,¡± I muttered softly, holding my breath and reflexively looking down. Emily looked truly shocked now. Her gaze shifted from Noah to me, then to Liam, as if waiting for someone to exin everything. 107 107 Sincerity 107 Sienna¡¯s POV I immediately squatted down, looking at Noah, who was still holding my hand tightly. ¡°Noah, honey, that¡¯s rude,¡± I said softly but firmly. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t talk like that, okay?¡± Noah pursed his lips, staring at Emily with his still¨Cirritated little eyes, but he remained silent. I stroked his head gently, then stared at Liam for a moment. He only gave me a small nod, giving me space to decide what to do next. ¡°Mommy¡¯s going to take Noah inside first,¡± I said, my voice still trying to be steady despite the tumbling in my chest. Noah immediately hugged my waist tightly, as if afraid I¡¯d let him go. I sighed, patting his back. ¡°Come on, honey. It¡¯s gettingte.¡± I stepped past Emily, feeling her gaze linger on my back, but I didn¡¯t look back. Not now. With every step toward the door, my heart churned. Part of me was angry that he¡¯de at the wrong time, when we were just finding our way. Another part was afraid that Liam would falter, afraid that I¡¯d be the one left behind again. But as Noah¡¯s small, warm hand gripped my fingers tighter, I knew one thing, I had to be strong. For Noah. For myself. I opened the door, invited Noah in, and before I closed it, I caught a glimpse of Liam still standing there, facing his past, while I brought home my young future, who was now hugging me tightly, refusing to let
  1. go.
I closed the door slowly, as if the slightest creak of the hinges could disrupt an already fragile night. My heart was still pounding, but I forced myself to focus. Noah. That was all that mattered now. ¡°Come on, honey,¡± I said softly, trying to sound normal. ¡°Let¡¯s get changed, brush our teeth, then go to bed, okay?¡± Noah nodded, his eyes still a little glistening from the incident in front of the house, but heplied. His hand remained tightly wrapped around mine until we reached his room. I took a deep breath as the door closed. It felt safe here. No strangers, no sounds to provoke old wounds, just me and my son, a small world I wanted to protect desperately. I helped him remove the neat uniform he had worn for school. His little fingers moved on their own, but sometimes they still needed my help. He nced at me several times, as if wanting to speak, but his lips hesitated. 107 +15 BONUS ¡°These sleep pants, Mommy?¡± he finally asked, holding up a pair of light blue pants with stars on them. I smiled slightly. ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re nice. Perfect for a handsome boy.¡± Noah giggled, then changed with a slightly forced enthusiasm. I knew he was tired, but his mind wasn¡¯t still. We then walked to the bathroom. Noah sat on his stool, brushing his teeth with almost automatic movements, while I stood behind him, tying back my hair, which had gotten tangled in the windst night. It all felt like a routine, but there was something hanging in the air, the same feeling I¡¯d felt in my chest since Emily showed up at the front door. When I was done, I led Noah back to bed. He jumped up, grabbed the nket, and looked at me with those round eyes that always managed to soften my heart. ¡°Mommy, are you reading me a story book again?¡± I smiled, sat on the edge of the bed, and took his favorite book from the small nightstand beside it. The cover was a little wrinkled, but the pages were still intact, full of the colors and pictures he loved. I opened the first page, and the scent of paper long touched by Noah¡¯s tiny fingers wafted over me. My eyes flicked to his radiant face, waiting for the story to begin. He pulled the nket up over his shoulders, his eyes wide with excitement, as if I were holding a treasure in my hands. ¡°Okay,¡± I murmured softly with a smile, ¡°tonight we meet the little knight again.¡± Noah chuckled, patting the pillow beside him. ¡°And the dragon! Don¡¯t forget the dragon, Mommy.¡± I nodded, then imitated a deep voice. ¡°Of course the kind dragon who loves apples.¡± Noah burst outughing. ¡°Dragons eat meat, not apples!¡± I shook my head, feigning seriousness. ¡°No, this dragon is different. He only likes fresh red apples. And every time he finds one, his eyes sparkle like¡­¡± I paused, then pointed at Noah. ¡°¡­like Noah¡¯s eyes now.¡± His face immediately lit up, a wide smile gracing his tiny lips. He squirmed slightly, then moved closer to me, resting his head on my arm. I continued reading, this time with a full, expressive tone, sometimes deepening his voice for the knight, sometimes sighing heavily for the dragon, and sometimes whispering softly for the little fairy who appeared in the forest. Noah stared unblinkingly, asionally repeating memorable words. He was so absorbed, I could feel his heartbeat slowly slowing, his body beginning to rx. Each page I turned was not just a story in the book, but also a bridge between me and him. I could feel the bond that had been broken slowly reweaving itself, gently, carefully, but truly. As I reached the part where the dragon finally found the golden apple at the top of the hill, Noah¡¯s voice grew softer. ¡°Mommy, if Noah were a knight what would Mommy be?¡± 107 That simple question made me pause for a moment. I stared at his half¨Casleep face, his cheeks gently flushed. Then I smiled, stroking his hair. ¡°If Noah were a knight, Mommy would be his shield. Mommy would always protect you.¡± But tonight was different. As I was reading, Noah suddenly asked softly, his voice barely a whisper, ¡°Mommy will stay here, right?¡± The question stopped me for a moment. I stared at him, my lips parting but no sounding out. He was still staring at the book, not at me, as if the question was too heavy for him to say while staring into his own mother¡¯s eyes. My heart ached. So innocent, so honest. I swallowed, then smiled bitterly, though the smile felt like a crack being forced to remain intact. I nodded slowly, gently stroking his hair. ¡°Yes, honey, Mommy will be here.¡± Noah smiled a little, relieved, then leaned his head back on my arm. His breathing began to even out, his eyes grew heavy, and before I knew it, he was peacefully asleep, the nket covering his tiny body, his face peaceful as if the world no longer had any problems. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 108 108 Liam¡¯s POV I stood in front of the house, staring at Emily¡¯s face, still standing a few steps away. That face had once felt so close, so familiar, so wrong. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice from sounding distorted. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing home?¡± I finally asked, tly, though something inside me was gnawing at my stomach. Emily smiled faintly, a smile that once made me stop thinking. ¡°I wanted to surprise you,¡± she replied lightly, but her eyes couldn¡¯t hide the unease. ¡°But it seems I¡¯m the one who¡¯s getting a surprise from you, Liam.¡± I looked down briefly, closed my eyes for a split second, then looked back at her. Behind Emily¡¯s gaze, I could see something I once considered home but now felt foreign. ¡°What Noah said was true?¡± Emily asked then, her voice low but clear. ¡°Are you guys getting back together?¡± The question stuck like a nail. I wanted to avoid it. I wanted to run, I wanted to stay silent. But all that came out of my mouth was a long, heavy sigh, and then I nodded slowly. I could feel Emily¡¯s body stiffen immediately after my nod. Her gaze was piercing, her eyes trembling as if something had copsed inside her. For a few seconds, no words came out of her mouth, only silence hanging in the cold night air. The wind gently blew strands of her hair out of its neat bun, making her face look even more fragile than usual. I stood stiffly, trying to calm the pounding pulse in my temples. Saying that nod hadn¡¯t been easy. It was a kind of boundary, acknowledging something I wasn¡¯t entirely sure about, but also something I couldn¡¯t take back. It was like marking a different path from the past, that I was no longer in the same ce as Emily. Emily finally took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. ¡°So, what was all this we¡¯ve been through, everything we¡¯ve talked about, Liam?¡± Her voice trembled, but she tried to sound strong. I looked down again, my hands clenched at my sides. The question hit me, because I knew I¡¯d given space, had nted hopes I shouldn¡¯t have allowed to grow. I was too cowardly to call it all a mistake, but I also couldn¡¯t think of it as the right path anymore. ¡°Emily,¡± I said softly, finally looking up at her. ¡°What we went through was real. I¡¯ll never say it was a lie. But I also can¡¯t keep pretending my heart is still in the same ce.¡± Her face tensed, her eyes welling with tears, though she fought hard to keep them from falling. I could see her lips trembling, swallowing the words that threatened to burst. Emily folded her arms, as if seeking protection from something she couldn¡¯t fight. ¡°I never asked for 108 more, Liam. I just thought you needed me. I thought I was enough.¡± The words hit me hard. Because there had been times I¡¯d felt that way. When the house was empty and Sienna was far away, I needed someone, and Emily was there. But what I experienced with Emily was only a temporary patch, never truly filling the void. I shook my head slowly. ¡°You were always enough. The problem was that I was never truly honest with myself.¡± There was silence again. The porch light shone on Emily¡¯s face, making her wet eyes even more visible. Finally, she smiled sadly, a smile I¡¯d never seen from her before. ¡°So this is the end, huh?¡± I took a long, heavy breath, then nodded once more. There were no sweet words, no promises to remain friends or anything. Just a silent acknowledgement that our path had indeed ended here. Emily immediately red at me, angry and disappointed. She took a step forward and hit my chest lightly, not painfully, but enough to make my breath hitch. ¡°You¡¯re evil,¡± she said, her voice trembling. ¡°You¡¯re evil, Liam.¡± I restrained myself from responding emotionally. I simply stood there, absorbing the blow, epting the anger that was honestly justified. Emily took a step back, her eyes beginning to well up with tears. ¡°I stepped away to give you time to think more clearly, not to make you act like this. This wasn¡¯t the answer I was expecting.¡± I stared at her for a long moment. I knew, deep down, she probably still believed I woulde back to her, that the distance was temporary, that what I had with Sienna was over. ¡°Emily,¡± my voice was soft, almost a whisper in the still night. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sheughed dryly, wiping away the tears that were starting to fall. ¡°Apologize?¡± she repeated bitterly. ¡°Is that all you have to say after everything? After what we¡¯ve been through? After you yourself said you couldn¡¯t go back to Sienna?!¡± I took a deep breath and straightened up. ¡°If you want to stay overnight, go ahead,¡± I finally said, heavily.¡± But you can¡¯t stay here long.¡± Emily paused, then her face turned red with anger. ¡°You¡¯re being indecisive, Liam!¡± she snapped, her voice cracking this time. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said you hated Sienna? You were the one who was angry, the one who was disappointed, the one who said your heart never belonged to her! So why are you going back to her now?!¡± I clenched my fists, not because I wanted to retaliate, but because my own feelings were in turmoil. I shook my head slowly, trying to hold myself back, but the words finally came out, sharper than I intended. I stared at Emily, her broken voice still ringing in my ears. Her anger was like a wave that pped me 108 hard, making my chest tighten. I knew every word she uttered was born from hurt, but it was still hard for me to ept without feeling torn apart. ¡°I did say that,¡± I finally spoke, quietly but firmly. ¡°I was angry, disappointed. I felt like Sienna didn¡¯t deserve to be in my life anymore. Back then, you were there. You listened to me, you kept me from falling apart. I¡¯ll never forget that, Emily.¡± Emily red at me, tears falling again even though her face was red with anger. ¡°But now you¡¯re saying it was all just anger? Temporary pain?¡± Her voice trembled, her tone full of usation. ¡°You¡¯re so cruel, Liam.¡± I took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m not saying my feelings for you are a lie. Never. But what I feel for Sienna isn¡¯t something I can hide forever. I can¡¯t pretend, Emily. I¡¯ve lived pretending for too long.¡± 109 109 Sincerity 109 Liam¡¯s POV Emily approached, her steps hitting the terrace floor firmly. Now we were only a foot apart, and I could see her eyes wet with anger. ¡°Then, it was my fault, wasn¡¯t it? Wrong for trusting? Wrong for thinking we had a future?¡± 1 I didn¡¯t answer right away. Her words were like a dagger, stabbing deep. I knew, deep down, Emily was hoping I¡¯d deny it, hoping I¡¯d take it back. But I couldn¡¯t make a promise I couldn¡¯t keep. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± I finally said, my voice almost cracking. ¡°You just loved the wrong person. It¡¯s my fault, Emily. Because I wasn¡¯t firm from the start. Because I let everything slip away, leaving you hoping for more.¡± Emily sobbed, her hands shaking as she wiped away her tears. ¡°I can¡¯t ept an answer like this, Liam. You can¡¯t just say ¡®sorry¡® and then push me away. I¡¯ve given you too much. I¡¯ve left too much for you.¡± I closed my eyes briefly, holding back the growing guilt. ¡°I¡¯m not kicking you out tonight. If you need a ce to calm down, go ahead. But don¡¯t expect me to change my mind. That¡¯s not going to happen.¡± (1) Emily¡¯s face tensed, her lips trembling with emotion. She finally slumped onto a chair on the porch, covering her face with her hands. She burst into tears, this time uncontrobly. Her voice echoed softly, piercing her chest. I stood there, frozen, unsure of what to do. I felt an urge to grab her shoulders, tofort her, but I knew that would only make things worse. So I chose to stand still, letting her vent her pain. ¡°Why did you let Sienna stay here again, Liam?¡± ¡°Because she¡¯s the mother of my child, Emily!¡± My voice rose, unable to hold back any longer. ¡°Because after everything that happened, I realized you weren¡¯t the one I¡¯d been looking for all this time. You weren¡¯t the one who was always here when everything fell apart. Sienna never left Noah, and I finally understood that home isn¡¯t just about temporaryfort. Home is about who stays there when everything hurts!¡± Emily froze, her eyes wide, as if it was the first time she¡¯d heard me speak so honestly. I looked down for a moment, caught my breath, then looked at her again, this time without trembling.¡± Don¡¯t interfere anymore,¡± I said quietly, but my tone was sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t interfere with what I¡¯m trying to fix. 01 Emily bit her lip, her eyes trembling, a mixture of anger and heartbreak. ¡°You hurt me,¡± she said softly, her voice dropping to almost the tone of a lost child. ¡°You really hurt me, Liam.¡± I closed my eyes and rubbed my face. ¡°I know. And I¡¯m sorry for that. But I can¡¯t pretend anymore, Emily. What we had before was just an escape. I hesitated, I was weak, and I chose the wrong path. But now I 109 don¡¯t want to make the same mistake again.¡± Emily took a deep breath, as if trying to swallow the bitter truth. She stepped back, staring at me as if still hoping I¡¯d pull her back. But I didn¡¯t say anything. She smiled wryly, a smile full of hurt. ¡°So that¡¯s it, Liam? You think you can just cover it all up like this?¡± I shook my head slowly. ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything, Emily. I¡¯m just stopping myself from adding to the pain.¡± Emily nced briefly at her car parked on the side of the road. Her hands were clutching her bag, her face full of anger mixed with resignation. ¡°I thought you¡¯d keep thinking about me. Looking for me, missing me,¡± she said softly, almost whispering, as if talking to herself, not to me. I remained silent. There were no words that could fix this without making it even worse. Finally, Emily took a deep breath and looked up at me for thest time that night. ¡°I¡¯m leaving,¡± she said simply. ¡°But don¡¯t me me if Ie back one day, Liam. Our world is small, and I¡¯m not sure feelings like this can just die.¡± I stared at her for a long moment, but only one word came out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She smiled bitterly and walked to her car. The door mmed shut, the engine started, and soon, the sound of the tires faded around the corner. I stood frozen on the porch, staring at the now empty street after Emily¡¯s headlights disappeared from view. The roar of the engine still echoed in my ears, leaving a silence far more tense than the argument had just begun. The night seemed to close in again, leaving only a cool, gentle breeze. The night breeze touched my skin, but all I felt were remnants of anger, guilt, and a strange relief. I raised my hand and rubbed my face roughly, trying to shake off the mounting guilt. But of course, it wasn¡¯t that easy. Emily¡¯s words, the look in her eyes, even her final, bitter smile lingered. It was as if she were a reminder that our story would never truly be over, even if I had chosen my own path. I turned toward the door, the small light in the living room was still on. I walked in slowly. Sienna sat silently on the sofa, her hands sped in herp, her eyes nkly staring at the floor as if at war with her own thoughts. I stood for a few seconds, observing, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. It felt like I¡¯d just emerged from a battlefield, not armed, but torn apart. ¡°Where¡¯s Emily?¡± she finally asked, her voice low and even, but I could hear the faint rumbling beneath it fear, anger, confusion, all mixed together. 109 I should have answered. I should have exined, soothed her with words. But when I saw her face, so tired yet so resolute, all words seemed smallpared to what I wanted to convey. I stepped closer, wordlessly, and took her body in my arms. My hug tightened, almost like an apology I hadn¡¯t had the chance to say, almost like a promise that had been dyed. My head fell on her shoulder, my breath deep. ¡°I won¡¯t let anyone break us apart again,¡± I whispered, my voice almost trembling. Sienna was silent, but I felt her body slowly rx in my embrace. Her previously stiff fingers began to grip my back, hesitant but real. The night felt a little calmer then. There was no guarantee tomorrow would be easy, no certainty that the storm had passed. But in that embrace, I knew we were starting over, together. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 110 110 +15 BONUS Sienna¡¯s POV The night felt long. I couldn¡¯t close my eyes, even though my body was tired, even though my eyes burned with unshed tears. Iy in Noah¡¯s room, letting his little arms wrap around my waist. He slept soundly, his face calm, his breathing deep, as if the world had never hurt him. But my thoughts kept spinning. Liam¡¯s words, Emily¡¯s gaze, everything tangled together in my head. Could my decision be wrong again? Was I just repeating the same pattern of giving my heart to someone who had broken it time and time again, then pretending to be strong, pretending everything was okay for my son¡¯s sake? My hand instinctively moved to stroke Noah¡¯s head, adjusting the nket. I hugged him tightly, as if trying to assure him that whatever happened, this child wouldn¡¯t feel the storm I was harboring inside. I closed my eyes briefly, hoping to find peace in the darkness, but instead, the image of Emily¡¯s face appeared. Her gaze, both sharp and fragile, brought me back to the reality that Liam¡¯s past was never truly gone. Emily was still there, real, standing in front of this house, challenging the space I¡¯d tried to recreate with Noah. I took a deep breath, lowering my face to Noah. The child was still motionless in his sleep, asionally murmuring softly as if in a sweet dream. His tiny fingers gripped the hem of my shirt, keeping me from moving far. That small touch felt like an anchor, reminding me of why I¡¯d returned to this house, why I¡¯d chosen to stay despite my heart still being torn apart. ¡°Mommy¡¯s here,¡± I whispered softly, though she couldn¡¯t possibly hear. The words weren¡¯t just for her, but for myself as well. A promise I¡¯d repeated, so I wouldn¡¯t waver. My eyes shifted to the ceiling. The dim light from the nightlight cast faint shadows on the walls, forming patterns that moved every time the breeze from the window crept in. Tonight was different. There was fear, but also a tinge of relief, because the truth had finallye out. Liam wasn¡¯t hiding Emily, nor was he pretending. But still, my heart wasn¡¯tpletely at peace. I remembered the old days, long nights when I cried silently in this room, not wanting Noah to hear. Those old wounds seemed to be pressing against me again, merging with the anxiety I¡¯d felt earlier. It felt like I was standing at the same crossroads, having to choose whether to believe or give in. My hand stroked Noah¡¯s hair again, longer this time, until my fingers trembled. ¡°I won¡¯t let you see Mommy broken again,¡± I murmured. ¡°You have to keep seeing Mommy strong.¡± The tears finally fell, falling softly onto the pillow. I quickly wiped them away, afraid the wetness would disturb Noah¡¯s sleep. There was a part of me that wanted to be angry, wanted to run, wanted to scream at Liam for letting Emily into our circle again. But another part remained silent, trying to understand, trying to believe that he truly chose me. 110 The seconds were heavy. The clock on the small table ticked slowly, each tick seeming to confirm that this night would never end. I pulled the nket tighter, hugged Noah tightly, closed my eyes even though my heart still pounded with anxiety. In my son¡¯s arms, I finally found a little space to breathe. Notplete peace, but enough to make me confident I could survive until morning. Amidst the fear and exhaustion, a small realization crept in, maybe I didn¡¯t need to find all the answers tonight. Maybe just making sure Noah was safe, that I was still by his side was enough. For now, that was enough. Slowly, the heaviness in my eyelids began to ovee the noise of my thoughts. Noah¡¯s steady breathing became soft, lulling music. And finally, with his warm grip on my shirt, I let myself sink into sleep, despite the storm that awaited me the next day. Time passed slowly. I don¡¯t even remember when I finally fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, morning light was already creeping in through the window blinds. Noah was still curled up in my arms, his lips slightly parted, his breathing light. There was something bothforting and suffocating every time I looked at him. Slowly, I got up, made sure Noah was still covered with the nket, and then stepped out of the room. The house was still silent. I headed to the kitchen, took a deep breath, and tried to start the day as usual, as ifst night were just a nightmare. I put on my apron and began preparing breakfast. My hands moved automatically, cracking eggs, preparing toast, and heating the pan. Despite all the routine, my heart remained heavy, but I held it in. Not long after, I heard small footstepsing from the hallway. ¡°Mommy?¡± Noah¡¯s voice was hoarse, a sign of having just woken up. I turned my head and smiled slightly, pretending to be casual. ¡°Morning, honey. Are you awake?¡± Noah nodded, rubbed his eyes, and sat down at the dining table. ¡°Mommy, can I have fried chicken for breakfast?¡± he asked innocently, his eyes sparkling with the hope typical of children. I smiled more sincerely this time. ¡°Okay. Mommy will make it, okay?¡± His face immediately lit up. ¡°Yay!¡± he eximed softly, then leaned his chin on the table, watching me cook like he always had since he was little. As I was seasoning the chicken, I heard another set of footsteps. Heavy, more regr. It was Liam. He appeared in the kitchen, his hair still messy, his face looking exhausted but calmer than the night before. ¡°Morning,¡± he said curtly, as if trying to keep his voice even. ¡°Morning,¡± I replied, remaining focused on the frying pan. ? 110 ¡°Can I help you?¡± he asked, moving a little closer. I shook my head without looking. ¡°No need. Just get ready for work,¡± I said softly, trying to sound casual. Liam paused for a moment, then nodded slightly. ¡°Okay,¡± he replied, then walked back to the bedroom. Before long, the sound of the shower could be heard faintly from our room. I returned my focus to the food in front of me, trying to calm my heartbeat, which had suddenly be irregr. The fried chicken was cooked, and I drained it onto a te. The aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, and for a moment, the house felt normal. As if there had been no argumentst night, no old wounds had been rekindled, no other woman had reappeared bringing a storm. I ced the fried chicken on the table and returned to the kitchen to prepare the rest. My hands moved automatically, chopping tomatoes, preparing stir¨Cfries, turning the stove back on. It all felt like a routine, but inside my head, a tumultuous buzz was running. The knife ttered against the cutting board, the sound repeating itself, both soothing and tense. Every time I paused, the image of Emily¡¯s face fromst night immediately appeared. Her faint smile, the look in her eyes, the bitter words she¡¯d spoken, all lingered. I tried to banish it by returning my focus to the pan in front of me, adding garlic, listening to the sizzle of hot oil. The sound was like an old friend, calming me. I didn¡¯t want this house to be haunted by anxiety. Noah needed a cheerful morning, needed his mother to be at peace. So I set the tes, added warm rice, poured a ss of milk, and made breakfast as lively as possible. Sincerity 111 Sienna¡¯s POV My hand paused as I ced thest spoon on the table. A strange feeling surged through me, the feeling that I was desperately trying to hold on to something that could copse at any moment. It felt like preparing a shield, even though I knew another storm mighte. I took a deep breath and returned to the kitchen to wash the dishes. The water ran fast, its coolness against my skin, making me a little more conscious. The sound of the shower in the bedroom was still faintly audible. That meant I still had a few minutes to calm down before I had to face Liam again. I looked down at my reflection in the water reflecting off the sink. My face looked tired, and I had dark circles under my eyes. But there was something there, a small, if faint, resolve. A determination not to waver, no matter what. Noah had already changed his clothes, and I could even hear the sound of his toothbrush brushing in the small bathroom near his room. He was a quick learner, and behind all his efforts to be a good boy, I knew he just wanted to make me happy, to make this house feel more peaceful. A momentter, Liam emerged from the room, dressed in his office attire. A crisp white shirt, a navy tie, his hair neatlybed, just like before everything fell apart. I set the tes on the dining table. Noah sat there sweetly, his face cheerful, his hands ready with his fork and spoon. Liam sat across from him, staring at him for a moment, then nced at me with a look I couldn¡¯t quite decipher. We began breakfast. The sound of spoons scraping against tes was the only sound at the table. Noah told me about school, about the drawing assignment he¡¯d nned to disy on the ssroom wall. Liam listened, nodding asionally, and even chuckled. I just sat there quietly, listening to them, asionally taking a bite of food, hiding the storm inside me behind a forced smile. I ced a small piece of chicken on Noah¡¯s te. ¡°If Noah¡¯s picture is on disy, Mommy will want to see it,¡± I said quietly, trying to join in the conversation. Noah turned his head, his face bright. ¡°Yes, Mommy has to see it! I drew a house with Mommy, Daddy, and me too!¡± he said excitedly, his eyes sparkling. My heart fluttered slightly. ¡°Oh really? What does the picture look like?¡± He raised both hands, trying to form a triangr roof. ¡°The house is big, there are two windows, and Mommy is reading a book on the sofa. Daddy is sitting in the chair. I¡¯m ying with toy cars.¡± I smiled faintly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. It was so simple, but for Noah, the house was his world. 111 +15 BONUS ¡°Amazing,¡± Liam said suddenly, his voice warm. ¡°You drew uspletely, didn¡¯t you?¡± Noah nodded proudly. ¡°Because I like it when the three of us are home. It feels good.¡± A brief silence fell over the table. The spoon in my hand paused, and I looked down briefly so Noah wouldn¡¯t see my teary eyes. Liam stared at him for a long moment, then finally patted Noah¡¯s head gently. ¡°You¡¯re a great kid, Noah,¡± he said softly. Noah chuckled. ¡°I know.¡± He continued eating greedily, oblivious to the slight tension between us. I took a deep breath, trying to soften my tone. ¡°When Mommyes to school, can Noah show me the picture, okay?¡± ¡°Do you really want to see it?¡± he asked hopefully. I nodded firmly. ¡°Yes, honey. Mommy promises.¡± Noah smiled broadly, then went back to telling me about his friends, about the littlepetition in ss, about the teacher who liked to praise his work. His words flowed without interruption, lightening the atmosphere a little. I nced at Liam briefly. He was listening intently, but asionally his gaze would flick to me. There was something there, a mix of relief, awkwardness, and a sense of disbelief. I quickly looked down again, pretending to be busy with my te. At the dining table, there was only Noah¡¯s cheerful voice, the asional clink of spoons, and our silence, too full for words. Every now and then, Liam and I met. It wasn¡¯t for long, just a split second, but enough to make my chest feel strangely tight and warm at the same time. There were so many words I wanted to say, but my tongue was heavy. Breakfast seemed beautiful, almost like a normal family meal. It was as if nothing had happenedst night. As if Emily had nevere, never stirred up the wounds that hadn¡¯t yet fully healed. But I knew, deep behind the tidy table, behind Noah¡¯s sincere smile, there was still so much we needed to talk about, so much we needed to work through. The wounds were still there. My trust was still fragile. I looked at Noah, who chuckled because the fried chicken was too hot and made him blow his nose quickly, and I smiled, this time without pretense. This boy was the center of it all, the reason I kept going, the reason I dared to try again despite the fear of getting hurt. I nced at Liam. He was looking at Noah with calm, almost serene eyes, like a father rediscovering something he¡¯d once forgotten. And somehow, I felt like maybe, just maybe, there was a small hope we could nurture again. Not because I ??? was sure everything would be smooth sailing, but because at the simple dinner table that morning, beneath the awkward silence, a glimmer of warmth had quietly returned to life. Once breakfast was finished, I cleared the dishes while Liam was already standing at the door. Noah stood next to him, waving his little hand enthusiastically as usual. ¡°Daddy, be careful on the way!¡± he called cheerfully. Liam smiled faintly, waved back, then nced at me briefly before finally walking out, quietly closing the door. The house was quiet again. The only sound was the sound of Noah¡¯s footsteps returning to his room, probably looking for his favorite toy or book. I stood for a few seconds in front of the newly closed door, taking a deep breath, trying to dispel the emptiness that had suddenly invaded. I walked into the room and grabbed theptop that had been sitting in the corner of the table. It felt like I hadn¡¯t written in days. Writing used to be my escape, my way of breathing. Hard days always felt lighter when I put them into words. I set up theptop on the dining table and opened the file of my unfinished novel. The nk screen stared back at me, the old letters sitting motionless. My fingers touched the keyboard, ready to type, but my mind was stuck. Not a single word woulde out. Everything I wanted to write seemed stuck in my chest, refusing to be words. I stared at the screen for a long time, then closed my eyes, trying to force it. But all I felt was fatigue, heaviness, and confusion. I slowly closed myptop, rested my chin on my hand, and stared nkly toward the kitchen. It felt like there were thousands of stories inside me, but none of them were ready to be released. Only silence continued to apany me. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 112 112 Sienna¡¯s POV I closed myptop slowly, letting a long sigh escape me without realizing it. The kitchen was silent, as was the living room. The house felt too still, too quiet for a heart as busy as mine. The ck screen of myptop reflected the image of my tired face, the faint dark circles under my eyes, and the nk look I couldn¡¯t hide, even to myself. I stood up, pulling out my chair slowly so as not to make any noise. My feet walked to therge window overlooking the small courtyard. Outside, sunlight filtered through the thin white curtains, casting faint shadows on the floor. The midday breeze carried the damp scent of the earth, mixed with the remnants of dew that hadn¡¯t yet fully evaporated. Everything felt normal. Everything was going as usual. But my chest, my heart, my head, not so much. This morning, I¡¯d been able to mask my anxiety by busying myself in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, listening to Noah talk cheerfully about school. My smile was on, and I even managed to squeeze a small, bitterugh out of my lips. But now, with the housepletely silent, all those masks fell away one by one. All that was left was me, me with a myriad of questions and a wound that continued to bleed. I walked to the bookshelf in the living room, my fingers tracing the neatly stacked spines of the books. There were several I hadn¡¯t finished. Usually, I¡¯d get lost in reading, using the words as an escape. But this afternoon, even books couldn¡¯t help. My vision was blurry, not because of the small letters, but because of my incessant thoughts. Emily. That name alone was enough to make my chest tighten. Her gaze, her bitter smile, herst words fromst night, they were all still stuck in my head. I didn¡¯t know whether to be angry, afraid, or just resigned. I wanted to trust Liam, to be sure that I was no longer walking alone on this thorny path. But the shadows of the past that came with their real faces were too hard to ignore. I shuffled to the sofa, sitting down, hugging a pillow. The thick silence was broken only by the ticking of the wall clock. Slowly, my eyes closed, not to sleep, but to try to regain my heavy breathing. I thought about Noah. How innocent he had seemed this morning when he told me about his drawing, about a simple house filled withughter. The child just wanted security, just to see us together without a rift. And I, I wanted to give him that. But could I? Could I give him something I wasn¡¯t even sure I could protect? The phone on the table vibrated softly, disying an iing message notification. I nced at it briefly, but didn¡¯t immediately reach for it. I felt like I needed a break. I needed space without sound, without demands. Let the message wait. Right now, I just wanted to sit here, silent, letting my thoughts spin, even though I knew they would only get more tangled. Outside, small birds chirped merrily. It was a stark contrast to the silence inside. I hugged my pillow tighter, stared at the ceiling, and wondered, how much longer can I endure this? 112 I walked slowly down the hallway, searching for the small voice that usually warmed this house. Behind the slightly ajar door, I found it. Noah sat on the floor of his room, crayons scattered around him, his face intently staring at the white paper already covered in bright colors. I leaned against the doorframe, watching him silently for a few seconds. There was something soothing about just watching him lose himself in his own world, innocent, honest, and carefree, without the burdens adults like to create for themselves. I slowly walked in and sat down beside him. ¡°What are you doing, Noah, honey?¡± I asked, my voice deliberately soft, as if afraid of disturbing his thoughts. Noah looked up, a small smile immediately spreading. ¡°I¡¯m drawing Mommy, Daddy, and Noah!¡± he replied proudly, pointing to threerge circles linked by small hands, wide smiles on each face. My chest trembled. My throat suddenly felt dry. How simple his happiness was, how deep his hope. It was just one drawing, but I knew it was his silent prayer, a hope he harbored more sincerely than anyone else in this house. I stroked his hair gently. ¡°That¡¯s a great drawing, Noah.¡± His eyes lit up at the praise, and he added more color to the circle he said was me, turning his dress blue, he said blue was Mommy¡¯s favorite color. I paused for a moment, staring at him, then asked, ¡°Noah, do you want to go out with Mommy?¡± Her head shot up, her eyes wide, as if I¡¯d just offered her tickets to an amusement park. ¡°I do!¡± she eximed, her body instantly springing to life and doing a little jump. I chuckled at his reaction. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get ready. Get dressed.¡± Noah nodded quickly, then ran to his closet. I walked to my room and changed into simple clothes,fortable trousers, a white top, and a simple hair tie. I nced at my reflection in the mirror. I was still tired, but somehow a small spark of excitement was ignited by seeing Noah so happy. It wasn¡¯t long before Noah appeared at my door, wearing his favorite dinosaur T¨Cshirt, shorts, and a little hat I¡¯d bought him at a shop near his school. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m ready!¡± he eximed proudly. I smiled. ¡°Mommy¡¯s a smart boy,¡± We left the house. The road ahead felt brighter than usual, maybe because the sky was clear, or maybe because my heart was momentarily relieved from the tension fromst night. I raised my hand and hailed a passing taxi. ¡°To the cafe with the children¡¯s yground, sir,¡± I said to the driver after getting in. 112 Noah sat next to me, staring out the window with curious eyes. He pointed out several things along the way, arge tree, a passing motorcycle, balloons sold on the sidewalk. asionally he¡¯d ask a question, sometimes he¡¯d just point andugh to himself, and I¡¯d chuckle along. The taxi stopped in front of a fairly busy cafe. From outside, a small yground area was visible next to it, with slides, swings, and a colorful ball pit. As soon as we entered, Noah immediately grabbed my hand, his body almost impatient. His eyes couldn¡¯t leave the yground. ¡°Mommy, can we y now?¡± he asked hopefully. I nodded with a smile. ¡°Okay, but be careful.¡± He nodded quickly, then let go of my hand and jogged to the y area, joining several other children alreadyughing happily there. I chose a table by the window, close enough to keep an eye on him. A waiter approached, and I ordered a cup of ck coffee and a croissant. Sincerity 113 Sienna¡¯s POV When the coffee arrived, I pulled myptop from my bag and turned it on. The screen opened again to the file I¡¯d been staring at the night before without writing a word. I stared at the litptop screen in front of me. The nk lines of the document felt like a mirror, reflecting the emptiness inside my head. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but no letters dared to appear. Only the cursor blinked, as if mocking my inability to find the words. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my heart with the aroma of coffee steaming from the cup. The warm, bitter taste lingered on my tongue as I took a sip. Somehow, the coffee seemed to give me a little energy, though it didn¡¯t immediately clear the fog in my mind. I nced briefly at the yground. Noah wasughing heartily, sliding down the slide with two other kids who looked about his age. His hair was a little messy, but his face was so happy. I smiled unconsciously. Seeing him like that, I felt like it had all been worth it, the struggle, the pain, even the long, restless nights. As long as Noah couldugh like that, maybe I could still survive. Back to the screen, I slowly typed a sentence. Stopped. Deleted it again. Retyped. Deleted again. And so on. It wasn¡¯t because I didn¡¯t know what I wanted to say, but because my mind was still filled with images fromst night. Emily¡¯s words, Liam¡¯s gaze, everything still felt so real. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to regainposure. In my head, Noah¡¯s voice echoed, ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m ready!¡± That simple sentence, so innocent, yet so meaningful. The child was ready, even though I wasn¡¯t. The child had the courage to move forward, even though I still hesitated. A faint smile appeared on my lips. I opened my eyes again and typed slowly: ¡°About the courage of a child who teaches his parents to keep going even though the world often feels too heavy.¡± This time I didn¡¯t erase it. My hand kept moving, writing one sentence after the next. It wasn¡¯t perfect, it wasn¡¯t beautiful, but it was honest. The words flowed, not from my head, but from my heart, from gratitude, pain, and love all mixed together. Every now and then I¡¯d stop, take a sip of coffee, and then go back to typing. The croissant beside me was growing cold, untouched. But I didn¡¯t care. For the first time in a long time, I felt relieved to be able to put some of what was on my mind into writing. Noah¡¯sughter rang out again from the yground. I turned to see him trying out the swings, pushing himself into the air with excitement. His small eyes sparkled, his hair swaying with the movement. My chest felt warm. I closed my slowly, this time with a different feeling. Not because I was giving up, but because I¡¯d written enough for today. I wanted to leave time to be truly present, not just as a writer, but as a mother. 174 Teached for the croissant, took a small bite, and waved at Noah when he turned to look for me. He smited broadly, waved back, and went back to ying I stared at him for a long moment, then whispered to myself, ¡°As long as he¡¯s smiling, I should be able to smile too I took another deep breath, staring at the blinking cursor in theer of the nk document. My fingers hovered over the keyboard. The sounds of children in the yground provided unfamiliar but soothing background music I tried to form a sentence One Two. Then I deleted it again. It wasn¡¯t good. It wasn¡¯t honest. It wasn¡¯t how I should have written it. I stared out the window, sipping my coffee slowly. The warm aroma touched my nose, awakening something long dormant in my head. This time I didn¡¯t force it. I let my thoughts drift, letting all the feelings churning in my chest sit on the same table with me. All the quilt, all the longing, all the disappointment, all the still¨Cvague love, just let it be present, without having to immediately turn it into words. Slowly, I typed. Not aplicated scene, not a heavy conflict. Just one small, simple, honest sentence: ¡°There are days when the world feels too heavy, but a child¡¯sughter can make it all feel a little lighter.¡± I stared at the sentence for a long time. My heart beat slowly, my eyes felt hot. It wasn¡¯t the first sentence of the novel I was writing, nor was it part of the plot I¡¯d been working on for months, but somehow it felt right My fingers moved again, typing a second sentence, then a third, like water finally finding a way to flow. I didn¡¯t care if this story would ever be finished, didn¡¯t care if the world would read it or not. At that moment, all I needed was to feel alive again. From a distance, I heard Noah¡¯s voice calling out to me, ¡°Mommy, look! Noah can climb by himself!¡± I turned to see her on the small slide, her face beaming with the small triumph typical of children. I waved with a wide smile, this time carefree, without pretense ¡°Sienna?¡± someone suddenly called my name. I stopped my fingers on the keyboard. That voice, a voice all too familiar, one I remembered too often even when I tied to forget, greeted me casually amidst the aroma of coffee and theughter of children in the yground ¡°I never thought we¡¯d meet here,¡± she said lightly, sounding like someone who had nothing else to Asse I looked up. It was Emily Sitting without permission in the chair across from me, wearingrge some of the mustomers bosan whispering to each other 113 turning their heads in her direction. Some even seemed to be checking, ¡°Isn¡¯t that the model you often see in magazines?¡± I took a deep breath. The world is a funny thing, always knowing how to test your patience at its most vulnerable. ¡°How did you know I was here?¡± I finally asked, keeping my voice low, not wanting to draw Noah¡¯s attention, who was still engrossed in ying on the side of the yground. Emily slowly took off her sses and set them on the table, her eyes still as sharp, calm, and annoying.¡± Coincidence,¡± she replied casually, her shoulders slightly shrugged, as if this were all a small matter to her. ¡°Coincidence?¡± I repeated softly, almost as if talking to myself. Emily just smiled a little. A smile I couldn¡¯t read, a smile that might have once captivated someone who now lived in the same house as me. I closed myptop, pushing it slightly to the side. My heart was beating erratically, not out of fear, but because I knew this wasn¡¯t a truly coincidental encounter. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 114 +15 BONUS 114 Sienna¡¯s POV I stared at Emily¡¯s face for a long moment, almost unable to believe the words that had juste out of her mouth. Her words were like a knife that had been sharpened for ages, then stabbed straight into my chest, slow, neat, but excruciatingly painful. ¡°Don¡¯t go back to that house, Sienna!¡± she had said, just like that, casually, as if she were talking about the weather. I looked up, staring intently, my previously calm body beginning to tense. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked quietly, trying to keep my voice steady even though my chest was already churning. Emily leaned back in her chair, her sunsses still lying on the table between us. Her lips curved into a small smile, the smile of someone confident because they felt they had all the cards in their hands. My body felt stiff, as if the chair I was sitting in had trapped me, preventing me from moving. The sounds in the cafe seemed to fade, except for the faint clink of spoons, theughter of children, and the whispers of conversation at other tables. But everything faded away, leaving only Emily and me. Her words hung in the air, pressing like dark clouds before a rain. I looked down for a moment, trying to catch my breath. My hand holding the coffee cup felt cold, even though the liquid inside was still warm. Every muscle in my body was trying to restrain itself, to hold back the anger that threatened to surge out of me. Emily sat across from me so rxed, as if her words had just been a trivialment. But I knew that every word that came out of her lips had been calcted, carefully thought out, and aimed precisely at my most vulnerable spot. She always knew how to strike at my most vulnerable spot. My gaze shifted briefly toward the yground. Noah was still ying,ughing freely with his new friend, carefree, unaware of anything. The sight made my chest tighten slightly. How could someone say such a thing so lightly, while my son sat there, just a few feet away, believing the world was safe and simple? I looked back at Emily. Her movements were graceful, her thin fingers touching the rim of the ss of juice that was beginning to fog up. She wasn¡¯t in a rush. She knew I would mull over her words, repeating them in my head over and over again. And she was right. The words spun like an evil spell, echoing in my ears, making me doubt every step I took. My mind jumped back tost night, when I stood in that house with Liam. The image of Noah sleeping soundly, Liam¡¯s troubled face, and Emily¡¯s sudden arrival, bringing a storm. That house wasn¡¯t just a building. It was the ce where I¡¯d tried to regain my faith, the ce where I¡¯d tried to start over with my son, maybe even with his father. And now, Emily was trying to tear it all down with one simple sentence. My hands clenched in myp, trying to quell the trembling that was slowly creeping up. I could feel the 114 +15 BONUS. heat spreading to my face, not from embarrassment, but from anger. Not just at Emily, but also at myself, who was still shaken by her words. I straightened, refusing to appear vulnerable in front of her. I wouldn¡¯t give her the satisfaction of seeing me crumble. But deep down, I knew those words would apany me home tonight, would whisper in my ear as I tried to sleep, would resurface tomorrow morning as I stared at Noah¡¯s face. Emily raised her cup and sipped elegantly, as if this were just another encounter at a cafe. Meanwhile, I. on the other side of the table, was struggling to keep my world frompletely copsing. I turned back to Noah, forcing myself to focus on that small,ughing face. He was my anchor, the only reason I wasn¡¯t giving up right now. I knew that no matter what Emily said, I couldn¡¯t just drift away. There was a child waiting, a life to rebuild, with or without Liam. ¡°Don¡¯t you know,¡± she said quietly, ¡°that I¡¯m the only one Liam loves?¡± I took a deep breath, trying to keep my hands from shaking. ¡°I think Liam already confirmed it yesterday,¡± I replied, my voice t, almost expressionless. ¡°In fact, Liam and I are getting back together. Why can¡¯t you ept that, Emily?¡± Emily¡¯s gaze hardened slightly, but her small smile remained. ¡°Are you sure, Sienna?¡± she asked, her voice starting to sound a little piercing, sharp but calm. ¡°Liam never forgot me for years. Then when you left, he lost something he¡¯d grown ustomed to. It wasn¡¯t love, Sienna, it was just being used to someone taking care of him.¡± Those words were like a second p. I felt my fingers clench in myp. Emily continued without pause, her voice growing firmer, as if she¡¯d memorized the script she was about to deliver. Each second felt heavier. The cafe, once bustling with children¡¯s voices and the clinking of sses, seemed to dim. There was only the throbbing in my temples and the rapid beating of my heart, echoing Emily¡¯s words. I sat silently, staring nkly at the table, as if the tiny stain on the wooden surface could save me from the storm raging inside. But her words swirled endlessly. To her, everything I¡¯d done to get back with Liam was nothing more than a mistake that would lead to new wounds. To her, my existence was temporary, a kind of pause before Liam returned to the embrace he believed was his true home. My body tensed. I knew she was waiting for my reaction, waiting for a crack in my face, waiting for a sign that I was truly wavering. And indeed, there was a subtle tremor in my fingers, a tension in my shoulders that I couldn¡¯t hide. But I refused to give room for tears. Not in front of her. Outside the window, the sun had risen higher, reflecting its bright, blinding light off the ss. Strangely, the light only served to contrast the darkness I felt in my chest. My gaze shifted toward the yground. Noah was still running around, his face full ofughter. That small shadow was the only thing keeping me from copsing. I took a deep breath, straightening myself slightly, trying to regain some of my remaining control. As if telling myself that none of this should shake the choice I¡¯d made. However, I couldn¡¯t deny the small doubt that had arisen, jabbing at me from the darkest corners of my mind. What if Emily was right? What if what Liam felt was just habit, not love? What if I was just passing through, while his heart remained anchored elsewhere? I held my cup of cold coffee, letting the bitter taste linger on my tongue. The taste seemed to align with what was building in my chest now. Sincerity 115 115 Sienna¡¯s POV +15 BONUS Emily still sat across from me, calm, as if knowing that her words were enough to ignite the fire she desired. He didn¡¯t need to add anything more, because his silence was already proof of his superiority Time passed slowly. The sound of Noah¡¯sughter from afar, the fainter aroma of coffee, and the chill of the cafe chair beneath my body felt so real, so oppressive. Yet, amidst all of that, there was a small whisper in my heart that tried to fight back. A whisper that I was no longer the woman I used to be, easily shattered by someone else¡¯s sharp words. That I had been through more than words could ever say. I looked up, keeping my gaze steady despite the thousands of shards of pain trying to tear me apart from within. I wouldn¡¯t give him victory. I wouldn¡¯t let Emily dictate my course with her carefully prepared words. ¡°So, yes, Liam was confused for a moment. But from now on,¡± she leaned forward, her tone like someone who had already won something that hadn¡¯t even begun, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of Liam.¡± I stared at her for a long moment, trying to read whether she truly believed all that nonsense or was just trying to destroy me. ¡°So, just focus,¡± she continued, ¡°on your work. On your life. Let him go, let it all go, Sienna.¡± Iughed softly, not because it was funny, but because it felt like I was being forced to ept stupidity disguised as truth. ¡°You think I¡¯ll just stay quiet?¡± I asked quietly. Emily shrugged, then suddenly her next sentence came out of nowhere, even crueler than thest. ¡°Noah too,¡± she said lightly. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. I¡¯ve already found a suitable international school for him. He¡¯ll have a good environment, a decent education, everything guaranteed. You can focus on yourself.¡± Instantly, my blood boiled. I straightened, my hands now on the table, gripping the edges tightly to keep from mming my fist. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it, Emily,¡± I said lowly, almost like a suppressed growl. ¡°Noah is my son. I¡¯ll be the one deciding his life. Not you.¡± Emily remained calm, as always, with the expression of someone who believes she¡¯s providing the best solution for the world. ¡°Sienna, don¡¯t be stubborn!¡± he said, this time his tone even sounding like advice. I chuckled, pained, bitter, filled with anger that I forced to remain calm. ¡°Stubborn?¡± I repeated, looking her straight in the eye. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d hand my child over to someone who doesn¡¯t even understand what it means to be a mother? Noah isn¡¯t a toy, Emily. Not a prize you can snatch just because you want to win. Noah is my blood, my breath, my heart. I carried him, I gave birth, I stayed with him every night when he had a fever, I held back his tears when he asked why his father 115 wasn¡¯t home, and you, you juste over, sit here, and say you¡¯ll take care of him?¡± Emily didn¡¯t answer immediately. The small smile finally cracked, but only for a moment. She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, though I could see the faintest tremors in her eyes. ¡°Sienna, you¡¯re smart, you have a career, you can build a good life without dwelling on the past. Liam isn¡¯t the answer anymore.¡± I leaned back in my chair, staring at her with the same piercing gaze, but now calmer, more focused, ¡°Liam might not be the answer for you, Emily,¡± I said quietly. ¡°But he¡¯s my child¡¯s father, and we¡¯re repairing what we broke. You cane and poison his mind, you can try to ruin him, you can sweet¨Ctalk him like you¡¯re the only one he loves. But you have no right to touch my child¡¯s life.¡± Emily narrowed her eyes, her voice lower this time, almost warning. ¡°Don¡¯t make this moreplicated, Sienna. I just want everyone to have their ce. Liam is with me, you¡¯re free to live your life, Noah has a good future.¡± I shook my head, slowly, confidently. ¡°Our ce?¡± I repeated, almost whispering. ¡°My ce is beside my child, and as long as I¡¯m breathing, no one can take that away from me.¡± Silence. Emily stared at me for a long moment, her face no longer filled with the triumphant smile. There was a hint of anger behind her mask, a hint of frustration, a hint of fear she was trying to hide. I grabbed my bag and stood up slowly. ¡°I won¡¯t lose, Emily,¡± I said, leaning slightly toward her, my voice lowered so that only the two of us could hear. ¡°Not this time.¡± Emily looked up, as if about to retort, but I had already walked away, leaving her at the table with all the ns she could think of. I took a deep breath, staring at the yground where Noah was still giggling with the other kids. The world may be in chaos, my mind still a mess, but one thing was for sure, I would never give up my son, and I wouldn¡¯t let Emily take anything away from me anymore. Noah came in, his face slightly red, a small bead of sweat beading on his temples. He looked up at me with his round, honest, tired, and slightly sleepy eyes. ¡°Mommy,¡± his voice was soft, almost a whisper amidst the din of the other kids. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I want to go home.¡± I smiled, trying to make sure it wasn¡¯t just a cover¨Cup, but a genuine smile for him. ¡°Okay,¡± I said softly, stroking his slightly damp hair. ¡°Let¡¯s go home, shall we?¡± Noah nodded slightly, taking my hand with his tiny one that felt much stronger than it looked. We walked out of the cafe, leaving the yground behind. 115 I nced at Noah, making sure he wasn¡¯t cold, then looked down briefly and said, ¡°But before we go home, how about we go to the supermarket first?¡± Noah immediately looked up, his eyes wide, his tiredness slightly reced by curiosity. ¡°For what?¡± he asked. I smiled slightly, bending down to his level. ¡°To buy food. Our pantry is empty. Are we going to keep eating stale bread for breakfast?¡± I teased lightly. Noah giggled softly, his face brightening up even though his body was still tired. ¡°Want some fried chicken?¡± he asked hopefully. ¡°Sure, the kind you like, the one with the really crispy skin,¡± I replied quickly, then gave him a light pat on the top of his head. 110 116 Sincerity 116 116 +15 BONUS Sienna¡¯s POV We stopped a taxi. On the way, Noah leaned against my shoulder, his eyes nearly closed. I gently rubbed his back, letting him rest a bit in the middle of the noisy, congested streets, Behind the ss, the city continued as usual, people rushing, horns honking, street vendors shouting their wares. And in this taxi, I sat with the most precious part of my life, the reason I held on even though the world seemed to want to tear me apart time and time again. I took a deep breath. My head was still filled with Emily¡¯s voice, her challenging gaze, and words that pped my ego and my old wounds. But I looked at Noah again, his breathing was steady, his lips slightly parted from exhaustion, and suddenly all the noise faded. Maybe it was true, my heart was still fragile. Maybe my decision yesterday, to go back to Liam, wasn¡¯t the wisest. But every time I look at Noah, I know that everything I do isn¡¯t just about a long¨Clost love. This is about a family that¡¯s fallen apart but worth trying to rebuild. About my child who deserves a father and mother in one home, not the fragments of a broken story. Noah drifted deeper into sleep, his little head restingfortably on my shoulder. asionally, his body shook gently to the rhythm of the taxi stopping and moving again amidst the traffic jam. I stared at his face for a long time, letting time seem to stop, just to preserve the rare calm he could find. The taxi driver nced in the rearview mirror, his voice friendly but a little heavy. ¡°Do you want to go to the supermarket on the main road, ma¡¯am? The one with the big food court?¡± I nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, sir. That one.¡± The driver nodded again, then focused back on the road. The sound of horns and shouts from street vendors filled the air again, but to me, all of that felt far away. What was closer was the battle within myself, between the wound Emily had just inflicted and the determination I wanted to maintain for Noah. ¡°Is Noah sleeping, ma¡¯am?¡± The driver¡¯s voice broke my reverie again. I smiled slightly, stroking my son¡¯s hair. ¡°Yes, sir. He¡¯s tired from ying.¡± The driverughed softly. ¡°Kids are like that. Even just a short y can drain their energy. But it¡¯s nice, Mom, to see their smiles, it makes me happy.¡± I nodded, more sincerely this time. ¡°That¡¯s right, Sir. All the tiredness disappears when I see them happy.¡± There was a moment of silence, except for the sound of the engine and the rumble of other vehicles. I leaned back in the seat, gently rubbing Noah¡¯s shoulder as it rose and fell with his breathing. Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my bag. I reached for it slowly so as not to wake Noah. Liam¡¯s name appeared on the screen. I hesitated, but finally swiped to answer. 116 ¡°Hello?¡± I said softly. ¡°Are you on your way home?¡± Liam¡¯s voice sounded calm, but with a faint hint of worry. ¡°Yeah, soon. Noah¡¯s asleep,¡± I replied curtly. ¡°Are you guys taking a taxi?¡± he asked again. I nced out the window, checking the direction. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s quicker this way than waiting.¡± There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. I could imagine Liam nodding, even though I couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°Okay. Be careful. I¡¯ll be at the office for a bit, I¡¯ll be straight home.¡± I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. ¡°Okay.¡± Before I hung up, Liam¡¯s voice came again. ¡°Sienna.¡± I waited, but he just sighed. ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll talk about it at home.¡± Click. The line went dead. I stared at the darkened phone screen, then put it back in my bag. Something was weighing on my chest, a mix of curiosity, anxiety, and hope that I didn¡¯t dare put into words. The driver spoke again, as if reading my thoughts. ¡°Sometimes adults get soplicated, ma¡¯am. But when you look at children, they don¡¯t care about anything, as long as their parents are there for them, that¡¯s enough.¡± I smiled faintly, more bitterly this time. ¡°Yes, sir. Children are indeed more honest about happiness.¡± The journey continued. The streets began to fill with vehicles with their headlights on. Noah squirmed slightly, then fell silent again, remaining sound asleep in my arms. I bent down and kissed the top of his head gently. ¡°Mommy¡¯s here,¡± I whispered almost silently. ¡°Whatever happens.¡± The taxi stopped in front of arge supermarket. I gently patted Noah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Honey, we¡¯re here,¡± I said softly. Noah blinked slowly, then nodded. ¡°Can I take this robot inside?¡± he asked, lifting his little robot. ¡°Of course,¡± I replied, paying the taxi. ¡°The robot is hungry too.¡± Noah chuckled. Hisugh was simple, but it felt like an oasis in a long, tiring field. We entered the supermarket. The cold air immediately assaulted my skin. I grabbed a cart, and Noah sat at the front, even though he was a bit older, he still liked to sit there, saying it allowed him to see everything clearly. 116 +15 BONUS ¡°First, chicken,¡± I said, pushing the cart. ¡°Then orange juice!¡± Noah chimed in enthusiastically. I nodded. ¡°Okay, orange juice is on the list.¡± The two of us wandered around, stacking chicken, vegetables, eggs, milk, his favorite cereal, and even a small ice cream cone he¡¯d chosen himself. He¡¯dugh asionally, pointing out cute, uniquely shaped foods, and I couldn¡¯t help butugh along with him, watching him enjoy such simple things. In every corner of the supermarket, there were young couples, other families, mothers shopping on the phone, children fussing for snacks. Everyone else¡¯s lives were going on normally, peacefully, without the storms I was experiencing. But strangely, amidst all of that, I felt normal. I felt like I was part of a unified world, not a fragment of a constantly fractured story. The trolley in my hand creaked softly as I pushed it through the crowded aisles. The white ceiling lights cast a bright light, making the shelves of household goods glisten. Noah walked beside me, still rubbing his eyes from just waking up, but his eyes immediately lit up when he saw the rows of colorful biscuits on the first shelf we passed. ¡°Mommy, can I have this one?¡± he asked, pointing to a box with a dinosaur on it. I looked down, meeting his hopeful eyes. A small smile escaped my lips. ¡°Okay. Just one, okay?¡± He nodded quickly and put it in the trolley, then walked away with small, eager steps. I stared at his tiny back, my heart warming. It had been a long time since I¡¯d experienced such a simple activity, shopping for groceries with my child in tow. In another aisle, I picked up milk, bread, and some fresh vegetables. Every time my hands touched these items, I felt like I was putting together a small piece of my life that had been lost. The supermarket, with all its hustle and bustle, gave me space to blend in without having to exin myself, without having to open any wounds or history. Here, I was just a mother shopping with her child. And that felt enough. Noah jogged over to the mini toy rack disyed near the snack section. He held a toy car and turned to me with a questioning expression. I pretended to frown, thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile. His cheer was small but genuine, as he carefully ced the car in his cart, as if it were his most precious possession. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 117 117 +15 BONUS Sienna¡¯s POV As I walked, I noticed the other people. A father cradled his fussy daughter, a mother busily checking her shopping list on her phone. They all seemed preupied with their own worlds, but none of them seemed devastated. For a moment, I envied the calm. But then I realized, maybe they had their storms too, just invisible. Just like me. I paused in front of the fruit rack. Shiny red apples were neatly arranged, fresh green grapes glistening with dew. I picked a few and weighed them. Meanwhile, Noah was busy selecting oranges, his tiny hands putting them one by one into a stic bag. I watched him, amazed at how seriously he was taking this small ¡°task.¡± ¡°My son so smart,¡± I said, patting his head. Noah smiled proudly, his cheeks slightly flushed. Noah took my hand as I stopped in front of the cereal counter. ¡°Mommy,¡± he called softly. ¡°Hm?¡± I turned my head, meeting his suddenly serious eyes. ¡°Are we really going to live together?¡± he asked, his voice low and cautious, as if afraid his answer would hurt. I swallowed hard and crouched down to his level. ¡°We¡¯ll try, honey,¡± I replied softly. ¡°Mommy and Daddy want to try to fix everything. So you can have a home where you don¡¯t have to run back and forth anymore. So everyone will have more peace of mind.¡± Noah nodded slowly and hugged me tightly. It was a small hug, but enough to make my eyes burn. ¡°I¡¯m happy,¡± he said softly. I rubbed his back, trying to catch my breath. ¡°Mommy too,¡± I whispered. The trip to the cashier passed in a warm silence. Noah was cheerful again, chatting about the ice cream he was going to haveter that night. I carried my groceries to the counter, paid, and then we headed out, back to the taxi. The afternoon sky was turning yellow, then orange. The streets were busy, but somehow I didn¡¯t feel ustrophobic. Maybe it was because today I¡¯d weathered a small storm without falling. Maybe it was also because, for the first time in a long time, I felt in control of what mattered most, my child, and how I was taking care of him. Noah leaned on my shoulder again on the way home. I stroked his hair, looked out the window, and quietly told myself, ¡°We¡¯ll be fine, honey. Even if the storm doesn¡¯t subside, we¡¯ll still walk together.¡± The taxi stopped in front of the house. I gently patted Noah¡¯s shoulder, making him blink slowly, half sleepily, half reluctantly, as he got out. ¡°Come on, honey,¡± I whispered, trying to be gentle so he wouldn¡¯t 117 fuss. He nodded and slowly got out, still hugging his robot tightly. I carried the shopping bags, their weight tugging at my hand, but somehow they felt lightpared to the burden I was carrying in my mind. The house stood still, as if holding a thousand unfinished stories, some sweet, many bitter. I took a deep breath. Maybe, just maybe, this time this house would have a new, better chapter. As soon as I entered, the air inside felt calm. Quiet. The only sounds were our footsteps and the squeezing of the shopping bags. Noah immediately ced his doll on the sofa and sat down next to it, seemingly exhausted after a day of ying. I carried the groceries into the kitchen. One by one, I put them in their proper ces. Vegetables in the refrigerator, eggs on the shelf, spices in the cupboard, chicken in the freezer. This small routine, which once felt trivial, now felt soothing. I felt like I was rebuilding something that had long been crumbling. When I turned around, Noah was standing in the kitchen doorway, leaning back with his eyes half- closed. ¡°Mommy,¡± he called softly. ¡°Hmm?¡± I replied, still busy arranging the groceries. ¡°Noah¡¯s so sleepy.¡± I smiled slightly, then leaned in, stroking his hair. ¡°Want to go to bed first?¡± He nodded slowly. ¡°Give me a hug.¡± Iughed softly, tired but warm. ¡°Oh my, Mommy¡¯s such a spoiled boy.¡± But I gave him the hug anyway. It was small, warm, and somehow it eased a bit of the ache in my chest. I led him into the bedroom and apanied him to bed. Noah immediatelyy down, pulling the nket over him. I sat beside him, gently stroking his hair. ¡°Mommy,¡± his voice was soft again. ¡°What, honey?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go again, okay?¡± A simple question, but like a dagger that cut and embraced at the same time. I swallowed hard, then nodded slowly, ¡°Yes, honey. Mommy won¡¯t leave again.¡± She smiled slightly, then closed her eyes. Within seconds, her breathing began to even out, a sign that she had fallen asleep. I sat there for a few minutes, staring at her peaceful, innocent face, far from theplexities of the adult worldpeting for ego and love. I silently prayed that all these storms wouldn¡¯t destroy her. That no matter what happened, I could remain her protector, thest wall standing when everyone else had left. 2/4 117 I stood slowly, carefully closing her bedroom door so as not to make a sound, then walked back to the living room. The house was still quiet. There was no sign of Liaming home. In that silence, I finally realized that I was afraid. Afraid of making another mistake. Afraid of giving hope and then destroying it myself. But for now, I have to be strong for Noah, for myself, and even for Liam, if we¡¯re truly going to save this family. I sat on the couch, hugged my knees, took a deep breath, and let one tear fall, just one, enough to ease the tightness in my chest. Then, slowly, I smiled bitterly. We¡¯re still here. Still standing. That¡¯s enough for tonight. I leaned my head back against the back of the couch, staring nkly at the ceiling. The living room lights dimmed, casting soft shadows on the walls. The ticking of the clock was audible, as if reminding me that time was ticking, even though I was still trapped in the same whirlpool of thoughts. I wanted to believe that everything would be okay, but the image of Emily and her words lingered, like a stain that was hard to erase. ¡°Liam¡¯s just used to you, not in love with you.¡± The words echoed over and over, trying to shatter my long¨Cshattered faith. I hugged my knees tighter, my body trembling softly. I know I shouldn¡¯t be drowning in fear, but when loneliness engulfs me like this, the defenses I¡¯ve built seem to crumble bit by bit. I want to believe in Liam, I want to believe in the small family we can still build. But that trust is fragile, like thin ss that can shatter with the slightest touch. I slowly got up and walked to the kitchen. I grabbed a clear ss from the shelf and poured some cold water. The liquid slid down my throat, soothing me somewhat, but not enough to ease my anxiety. I stared at my faint reflection in the kitchen window. There were dark circles under my eyes, a smile that felt unfamiliar, and a look in my eyes that betrayed my exhaustion. Back in the living room, I reached for the thin nket folded on the chair. I wrapped it around myself, trying to create a warmth that didn¡¯te from the fabric, but from the certainty that I wasn¡¯t alone. Noah was in the bedroom, sleeping peacefully. Liam, I don¡¯t know where he is now, but he should being home. I closed my eyes, letting my mind wander to memories. Times when everything felt simple, Liam, Noah, and I sitting in a small garden,ughing over trivial things. Back then, I believed our love was enough to conquer the world. Now, I know that love alone is never enough. There¡¯s loyalty, courage, and choices that must be fought for. 1 Sincerity 118 18 118 Sienna¡¯s POV I was just starting to drift off to sleep on the couch when the front door creaked open. I instinctively straightened, my heart beating faster. For a moment, I panicked, afraid it was just another bad dream arriving uninvited. But then a deep, familiar voice called out. ¡°Sienna? Noah? I¡¯m home.¡± I breathed a sigh of relief, but I still stood up. I unwrapped my knees and walked out of the living room toward the entrance. ¡°Liam,¡± I whispered softly, ¡°be quiet. Noah¡¯s just gone to bed.¡± Liam stopped in his tracks and turned to me. His eyes looked tired, but there was a small glimmer in them, as if he had returned with something different this time. In his hands, I saw severalrge stic bags, making me frown. I squinted, leaned closer, and pointed at the bags. ¡°What are those?¡± I asked, half suspicious, half confused. Liam held the bags higher, his smile thin but unmistakable. ¡°Fried chicken and pizza,¡± he replied lightly. I let out a long sigh, then unconsciously hit his arm lightly with the back of my hand. ¡°You¡¯re like this! You should have told me before you were going out to eat. I was already getting ready to cook.¡± Liam just chuckled, as if enjoying my nagging. ¡°But you haven¡¯t started cooking yet, have you?¡± he replied, giving me a look full of excuses. I snorted, turning to the kitchen. True, I¡¯d just put the groceries in the fridge and hadn¡¯t had a chance to take out any ingredients yet. So technically, he wasn¡¯t wrong. But I still felt like I¡¯d lost the argument. ¡°Yeah, but still. I already had a menu in mind for tonight,¡± I said, half protesting, half resigned. Liam approached, cing the stic bags on the dining table. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be mad. Wake Noah up. Let¡¯s eat together while it¡¯s still warm.¡± I stared at him for a few seconds. There was something rxed about his demeanor tonight, as if he wanted to lighten the mood. Maybe this was his way of trying to smooth over the issues between us. I sighed, then finally smiled a little. ¡°You, really,¡± I said softly, shaking my head. ¡°Wake up Noah,¡± he repeated, softer this time, almost like a request. I stared at his face for a moment, then turned toward Noah¡¯s room. I opened the door carefully and stepped into the room, lit only by a small nightlight on the corner table. 118 ¡°Noah.¡± I whispered softly, sitting on the edge of his bed. I stroked his hair, making him squirm slightly.¡± Honey, wake up for a minute. Daddy¡¯s home with fried chicken and pizza.¡± His eyes slowly opened, still half¨Cconscious. ¡°Pizza?¡± he mumbled hoarsely. I chuckled and nodded. ¡°Yes, pizza. Come on, let¡¯s eat together.¡± Within seconds, his enthusiasm returned. He sat up quickly, rubbed his eyes, and climbed down the bed with small, stillzy steps. I took his hand and walked out of the room, holding back augh at how food could wake him up faster than any rm clock. As soon as he reached the dining table, Noah immediately eximed, ¡°Yeay!¡± I saw arge pizza box on the table,plete with a bag of delicious¨Csmelling fried chicken. Liam turned to me with a proud smile. I just shook my head and pulled out a chair, inviting Noah to sit first. We started opening the boxes. The savory aroma immediately filled the room. Pizza with melted cheese, crispy fried chicken, and still¨Cwarm fries all looked tempting. ¡°Noah, take this first,¡± I said, pushing the te toward him. ¡°You can choose your own toppings, right?¡± he asked, pointing to the pizza. ¡°Of course,¡± Liam replied quickly, his voice full of childlike enthusiasm. Noah took a slice of pizza with his favorite toppings, then a piece of fried chicken. His eyes lit up, his smile wide. I looked at him with a warm heart; this simple moment felt so precious. I then took my share, and so did Liam. The three of us sat at the dining table, enjoying our meal together. Noah told me about the yground at the cafe, how he had made a new drawing, and how a friend had almost run him over while going down the slide. The story flowed, filled withughter, without pause. Liam and I asionally nced at each other during Noah¡¯s story. A small smile appeared, a smile that had long since disappeared, now slowly returning. We didn¡¯t need many words that night. Just listening to Noah with an open heart was enough to fill the empty space in our chests a little. Noah chewed eagerly, his cheeks puffed out, then quickly swallowed his food so he could continue his story. ¡°And then, Mommy, when I drew a dinosaur, my friend said its head was too big!¡± He giggled to himself, his eyes sparkling. I smiled as I fed him a small piece of fried chicken. ¡°Is its head too big, honey?¡± I asked, pretending to be serious. ¡°No,¡± Noah replied quickly, shaking his head vigorously. ¡°It¡¯s a super strong dinosaur. So its head has to be big so it can bite a lot,¡± 118 Liam chuckled, his voice crisp, making me turn my head too. ¡°Good logic,¡± he said, giving Noah a thumbs
  1. up. ¡°Daddy agrees with you.¡±
Noah grew even more enthusiastic, his hands moving as he exined. ¡°Right? Daddy understands! Well, then I added horns to his head, like a triceratops. So it¡¯s even stronger!¡± I sighed withughter, staring at my son¡¯s innocent face,pletely lost in his imagination. ¡°You¡¯re so creative, Noah. Mommy is so proud.¡± The boy blushed, then nced at Liam. ¡°Is Daddy proud too?¡± Liam stared at him for a long moment, then nodded with a soft smile. ¡°So proud. You¡¯re an amazing kid, Noah.¡± There was a brief silence after that, not because of awkwardness, but because Liam¡¯s words felt so honest, they pierced something deep inside me. I looked down for a moment, tidying up the crumbs on the table, trying to hide my suddenly surging emotions. Noah spoke again, breaking the silence. ¡°Daddy, when can youe back to school? Some of my friends are asking why Daddy never picks me up.¡± The question was simple, innocent, but it almost took my breath away. I turned quickly to Liam, waiting for his answer. Liam looked stunned for a moment, then smiled faintly. ¡°Daddy will try, Noah. If I¡¯m not busy with work, Daddy wants to pick you up.¡± 119 Sincerity 119 Sienna¡¯s POV Noah¡¯s eyes immediately lit up, his face radiating with unconcealed joy. ¡°Yeah! I¡¯ll definitely show Daddy my dinosaur drawings!¡± I could only nod slightly, smiling along despite the faint pang in my chest. It was a simple promise, but I knew it meant a lot to Noah. Liam then turned to me, his voice low. ¡°You don¡¯t mind, do you, Sienna?¡± I shook my head. ¡°As long as Noah is happy, I won¡¯t mind.¡± Noah patted the table with his hand, excited. ¡°Then, Daddy and Mommy will have to sit in the front row at my school y. Promise!¡± I chuckled, trying to hide the tears that were creeping up. ¡°Yes, Mommy promises.¡± Liam smiled, looking at Noah warmly. ¡°Daddy promises too.¡± The dinner table was once again filled with Noah¡¯s softughter, the sound filling the previously silent house. I looked at him, then back at Liam. And for a moment, I felt a small light creeping through the cracks in our hearts¨Cfragile, but real. After our bellies were full, the dining table was cluttered with half¨Cempty pizza boxes, scattered tissues, and heaps of chicken bones. Noah leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach with a contented expression. I smiled slightly at the simple joy I knew he would cherish. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m so full,¡± he said, yawning slightly. I stroked his head gently. ¡°When you¡¯re full, wash your hands and brush your teeth. So you can sleep soundly.¡± Noah nodded obediently, then jumped down from his chair. The sound of his footsteps echoed as he hurried toward the bathroom. As soon as his back disappeared behind the door, the room suddenly fell silent. It was just Liam and me, sitting across from each other, with the dining table between us. I looked down, pretending to be busy tidying up tissues and throwing leftover food into a stic bag. It was too hard to look at him for too long. But I could feel his gaze there, following my every move, assessing, searching for an opening. ¡°You don¡¯t eat much,¡± his voice finally broke the silence. I looked up briefly, then shook my head. ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m not hungry anymore.¡°¡® He didn¡¯t answer immediately, just nodded slowly. But I knew Liam wasn¡¯t justmenting. There was a note of concern there, one he was trying to disguise. I swallowed hard, then stood up and began clearing 119 the dining table. ¡°I¡¯ll clean up,¡± he said quickly, rising from his chair. I looked at him, a little surprised. ¡°No need, I can do it myself.¡± Liam shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ll do it together.¡± Something strange stirred in my heart at those words. Something warm, but at the same time, it made me want to back away. Because I knew how fragile I would be if I let this togetherness grow without a clear direction. We cleared the table in silence. asionally, our hands nearly touched as we reached for the same te or box, and each time, I quickly withdrew my hand. What should have been a safe distance still felt too close. When the table was cleared, I leaned against the wall for a moment, taking a deep breath. Then the bedroom door opened, and Noah appeared in his favorite pajamas, his hair still damp from washing his face. ¡°Mommy, Daddy, I¡¯m ready for bed,¡± he said with a big smile. I smiled back and bent down to greet him. ¡°Come on, honey. Mommy¡¯ll keep youpany.¡± Noah took my hand, then suddenly turned to Liam. ¡°Daddy¡¯sing too, okay? Let¡¯s go to bed together.¡± I froze for a moment. Liam was silent, staring at me, as if waiting for permission. My chest tightened, but I couldn¡¯t bear to disappoint Noah tonight. ¡°Okay,¡± I said softly. ¡°Come with me.¡± Noah cheered slightly, tugging Liam¡¯s hand as well. The three of us walked into the bedroom, Noah¡¯s small hand holding us together. Noah jumped onto the bed as soon as we entered, his tiny body sinking into the pillows. He chuckled, theny down on his back, patting his right and left sides. ¡°Noah in the middle! Mommy here, Daddy here,¡± he said, pointing excitedly. I nced at Liam, then sighed in resignation. ¡°Okay, honey. Mommy¡¯s here.¡± I climbed to the right side of the bed and adjusted Noah¡¯s nket. Liam put his phone on the nightstand and sat on the left side. ¡°Okay, littlemander,¡± he said, ruffling Noah¡¯s hair. Noah giggled, then rolled to his right, hugging me tightly. ¡°Mommy has to read a story.¡± I smiled faintly. ¡°You¡¯re still excited to read a story, even though you were sleepy earlier?¡± 119 ¡°Of course. Just one story.¡± Noah raised a finger, his face very serious. Liam chuckled. ¡°Just one short story, okay? You have school tomorrow.¡± Noah nodded quickly. ¡°Okay.¡± I took a thin book from the nightstand, his favorite animal picture book. I opened it to the first page and began reading softly. Noah rested his head on my shoulder, his eyes half¨Cclosed, but his lips still smiling. Liam listened along, asionally adding silly noises when I called out animal names. When I read about lions, Liam let out a low roar, making Noahugh even as his eyes grew heavy. ¡°Daddy¡¯s cute.¡± Noah murmured sleepily. I nced over and saw Liam staring at Noah with a smile I rarely saw. A genuine, loving smile. I quickly returned to my book, afraid that the look would make my heart waver again. Before long, Noah waspletely asleep, his breathing steady. I slowly closed the book in my hand and set it aside. I bent down and kissed his forehead, whispering, ¡°Good night, honey.¡± Liam also bent down, gently touching Noah¡¯s hair. ¡°Sweet dreams, son.¡± Silence fell, only the ticking of the clock and Noah¡¯s breathing between us. Iy down slowly, my back to Liam, and pulled the nket up to my shoulders. Suddenly, a soft voice came from behind me. ¡°Thank you, Sienna.¡± I closed my eyes tightly, unsure whether to answer or pretend to be asleep. But my lips finally whispered, ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For letting me be here,¡± he replied softly. ¡°For Noah and maybe for you too.¡± I fell silent, my heart pounding. I wanted to say so many things, about the hurt, about the doubt, about the fear of falling again. But on the other hand, I was too tired. So I simply replied, ¡°We¡¯re doing this for Noah.¡± I could feel a small movement behind me, like Liam nodding, even though I didn¡¯t turn around. Then the sound stopped, reced by a long silence. In the dimly lit room, Noah slept in the middle, a fragile bridge between Liam and me. And for that night, I allowed myself a little peace, if only for a moment. Sincerity 120 Sienna¡¯s POV +15 BONUS The aroma of toast filled our small kitchen. I had woken up early, preparing a simple breakfast. Meanwhile, Liam, who was usually busy rushing to get ready for work, was sitting rxed at the dining table, his shirt neatly trimmed, but his tie still syed across hisp. Noah sat next to me, wiggling his legs as he chewed greedily. I watched them both and smiled faintly. Although many wounds still hadn¡¯t healed, at least I could see Noah eating happily, and Liam no longer drifting away. The aroma of warm coffee mixed with the scent of freshly toasted bread filled the morning air. I ced a te of scrambled eggs on the table in front of Liam. He nced at me, his lips curling slightly, then immediately began to spoon his breakfast. It was a simple smile, but it was enough to warm my chest. ¡°Noah, eat slowly. Don¡¯t sway your legs like that, you¡¯ll spill,¡± I admonished gently. Noah just chuckled, his face smeared with strawberry jam. ¡°It¡¯s so delicious, Mommy. The bread and eggs are just right!¡± he said, making me spontaneously turn to him with pride. Liam smiled too, looking at Noah lovingly. ¡°Daddy agrees. Mommy is a great cook.¡± I raised my eyebrows, pretending not to be affected by thepliment, but my heart was actually fluttering a little. ¡°Don¡¯t just say it sweetly. If you like it, finish it all,¡± I replied, trying to sound lighthearted. Liam chuckled, then took another spoonful. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll prove it.¡± The three of us ate in a different atmosphere. There was no tension like before, no piercing silence. Instead, Noah¡¯s boisterousughter bridged the gap between us. I asionally stole nces at Liam. His hair was still a bit messy, though his shirt was neat. The tie lying on hisp seemed to confirm that this morning he wasn¡¯t just ¡°passing by¡± the house, but was truly present, ¡°Daddy, don¡¯te home toote,¡± Noah¡¯s voice broke my reverie. He looked at Liam with hopeful eyes. Because I want to show you the dinosaur drawing I just made.¡± Liam looked at him, then nodded. ¡°Daddy, try. I want to see it in person, not in photos.¡± Noah cheered slightly, his face beaming. I looked down, holding back a smile. The answer was simple, but it meant so much to my son and secretly to me, too. I brewed my tea, then spoke. ¡°I have ns today.¡± Liam looked up, his eyes meeting mine. ¡°What ns?¡± I stared at Noah for a moment before answering. ¡°I want to find a school for Noah. After he graduated 120 +15 BONUS from kindergarten yesterday, he has to go to elementary school, right?¡± Noah immediately turned his head, his eyes sparkling. ¡°School? Mommy, really?¡± I nodded, stroking his hair. ¡°Yes, honey. Mommy wants to look for good schools for you. So you can meet lots of friends.¡± His smile widened, as if school were a grand adventure. ¡°I want to! I want to have lots of friends!¡± I chuckled at his enthusiasm, but my heart was also filled with anxiety. Choosing a school was no small matter. I wanted to make sure Noah was in a safe, healthy, and fulfilling ce. I sipped my tea slowly, letting the warmth sink into my throat. The words I¡¯d just spoken echoed in my head: find a school for Noah. Simple to say, but heavy to feel. Liam put down the small spoon he¡¯d been stirring his coffee with. He looked at me intently, as if to make sure I was serious. ¡°School, huh¡­¡± he mumbled, more like he was talking to himself. I nodded slowly. ¡°I think the time is right. Noah needs a broader environment. He needs new friends, needs to learn things we might not be able to fully teach at home.¡± Noah, sitting next to me, seemed impatient for the conversation to continue. He was bouncing his legs rhythmically, his face full of excitement. ¡°Mommy, Daddy, I want to learn to draw dinosaurs at school. Is that okay?¡± he asked innocently. I smiled and patted his head. ¡°Of course you can. But you¡¯ll also learn to read, write, and count. All of that is important so you can be smarter.¡± Noah nodded firmly, even though I could tell he was still more interested in his dinosaurs and colorful crayons. Liam sighed softly, then leaned back in his chair. ¡°Have you chosen a school yet?¡± he asked, his tone neutral, but I could detect a hint of worry. I looked down for a moment, considering my answer. ¡°There are a few. I heard there¡¯s an elementary school near the city park that¡¯s quite good. There are also private schools that supposedly offer more modern learning programs, but the fees are certainly not cheap.¡± Liam intertwined his fingers, staring at the table as if calcting something invisible. ¡°I cane with you if you want to look around. At least I want to know what kind of ce Noah will be going to every day.¡± That sentence made me pause for a moment. There was a sense of relief, but also a strange one. I used to face big decisions alone. But now Liam was offering me a shoulder to share. I didn¡¯t know whether to ept it easily or maintain my distance. ¡°Noah, do you want a school close to home or one a bit further away with lots of facilities?¡± I asked, trying 2/4 120 +15 BONUS to distract myself by involving Noah. The boy was deep in thought, his face serious as if he were choosing a favorite toy. ¡°Just one close, Mommy. So I won¡¯t get tired. But if there¡¯s a yground, I want one with a slide.¡± Liam and I both chuckled at his answer. For some reason, the sound ofughter made the small kitchen feel warmer. I sipped the rest of my tea and then got up from the chair. ¡°Then, after we finish cleaning the house, we can go surveying. Noah, you have to get ready, okay? Wear neat clothes.¡± ¡°Ready, Mommy!¡± he said cheerfully, his hands clenched into fists like a little soldier. I nced briefly at Liam, who was still staring at me. There was something in his eyes a mix of doubt, determination, and perhaps a sense of redemption. I don¡¯t want to describe it too much, but it was enough to make my chest flutter faintly. Liam suddenly put down his spoon and said, ¡°Then, I¡¯ming.¡± I turned quickly to him, a little surprised. ¡°Coming? Don¡¯t you have work? Today is a weekday, Liam.¡± He leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but his eyes serious. ¡°I can take the day off. Noah¡¯s business is more important.¡± I paused, staring at him. A strange feeling spread through my chest, a mixture of relief, emotion, and awkwardness. I¡¯d been used to taking care of many things on my own, including Noah. Now Liam had suddenly offered himself, as if wanting to take back his role. ¡°Noah is our child, Sienna,¡± he said again, as if reading my silence. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to feel like you have to carry everything alone.¡± X Sincerity 121 121 +15 BONUS Sienna¡¯s POV I looked down, stabbing the bread on my te with my fork. His words touched the most fragile part of my heart. I¡¯d often felt alone. But hearing him say it like that, I didn¡¯t know if I could fully believe him or if I was just trying to believe him. ¡°If you take time off, won¡¯t it affect your work?¡± I asked quietly, still unsure. Liam shook his head. ¡°Work can always be postponed or finishedter. But moments like this are important. I don¡¯t want to miss Noah¡¯s first day at school.¡± I looked up and stared at him for a long moment. I glimpsed a sincerity I¡¯d rarely seen before eyes that truly wanted to be there for their child. And I felt the burden I¡¯d been carrying alone ease a little. I looked down at my te again. Thest bite of toast felt easier to swallow after hearing those words. Somehow, this simple breakfast suddenly became warm not just because of the hot tea or the aroma of coffee still steaming on the table, but because of the different atmosphere. Noah was still busy with his spoon, scraping the remaining jam off the edge of the te, then licking his lips contentedly. He asionally kicked his feet in the air, as if impatient for the day to begin. Liam, meanwhile, sat up straighter, watching him with a look I couldn¡¯t quite decipher a mix of pride, relief, and something new. I realized how rare it was for us to sit like this. One table, three chairs upied, no one in a hurry to get up. The silence wasn¡¯t due to distance, but rather to each of us lost in our own thoughts. A silence that felt strangelyplete. I smoothed the napkin in myp, then nced at Liam once more. There were fine lines of fatigue on his face, but also a calmness I¡¯d never seen when he was busy with work. Maybe this wasn¡¯t just about Noah. Maybe it was also about him learning to return home not just to home, but to the role he¡¯d lost. Noah cheered happily, interrupting our solemn atmosphere. ¡°Daddy¡¯sing! Hooray! That means the three of us are going on a trip!¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight of him so happy. I stroked his cheek, still stained with milk residue. Yes, honey. The three of us.¡± §ª The atmosphere at the dinner table lightened after that. Noah began to tell me about what he imagined at school: a big field, swings in the park, friends who wanted to y ball with him. Liam and I nced at each other asionally, asionally smiling at our son¡¯s innocent imagination. In my heart, I wondered: maybe this was an opportunity. A chance to give Noah a beautiful memory of his family, of his father and mother both present. But on the other hand, I was also afraid. Afraid that this togetherness would be temporary, afraid that I would once again give him hope that would ultimately be 174 121 shattered. After breakfast was over, I cleared the table while Liam helped Noah change into more presentable clothes. From a distance, I could hear their voices joking around. Noahughed loudly, and Liam joined in patiently. A strange, warm feeling crept into my chest. I paused in the kitchen, staring at my half¨Cempty cup of tea. When they came out of the room, Noah was already wearing a small dinosaur¨Cprint shirt and shorts, his hair neatlybed, though a few stray strands remained. Liam stood behind him, his shirt neatly adjusted and tie. But this time, it wasn¡¯t for the office. It was for Noah. ¡°Ready?¡± he asked, looking at me. I nodded. ¡°Ready.¡± The three of us left the house together, a simple step that felt so grand. Because today wasn¡¯t just about finding a school for Noah. It was also about trying to be a family again, even though I didn¡¯t know if this path would truly lead us to the right ce. In Noah¡¯s eager face, I saw the reason why I had to try. And beside me was Liam, who this time, at least for today, chose to be here, with us. We walked to the car slowly. The little boy bounced up and down, holding my hand tightly, while his other hand asionally reached for Liam¡¯s arm. It was as if he wanted to make sure we were both still together. I stared at Liam¡¯s back as he walked beside Noah. There was a part of me that still couldn¡¯t believe this change. He¡¯d actually taken time off just to apany Noah on his school search. Something he¡¯d honestly never thought he¡¯d do before. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯ll be able to y ser at school, right?¡± Noah asked suddenly, his eyes turning hopefully. I smiled and nodded. ¡°Of course. Mommy will choose a school with a big field for you.¡± ¡°Yeay!¡± he shouted, making several passersby turn their heads with smiles. I chuckled along, then subconsciously nced at Liam. He smiled too, a smile I¡¯d rarely seen in recent years. When we reached the car, Liam opened the door for Noah and me. I was a little awkward in epting the gesture, but eventually just nodded in response. During the ride, Noah was busy talking about his dreams sometimes wanting to be a doctor, sometimes a ser yer, then suddenly an architect like the ones he often saw on television. I listened intently, chiming in asionally. Liam also responded, even joking with Noah until the boy burst outughing. The car was filled with their voices, and I just sat beside him, letting the warmth seep
  1. in.
Between Noah¡¯sughs, my thoughts wandered. Could we really start over? A tired part of me wanted to 121 believe, but another part was afraid this was only temporary. Afraid that one day Liam would doubt himself again, seekingfort elsewhere. The wounds from before hadn¡¯t fully healed, but in front of Noah, I had to appear strong. I turned to Liam. He focused on driving, asionally ncing in the rearview mirror to check on Noah in the back seat. There was sincerity there, I could sense it. But was it enough? ¡°The first school we want to check out is uptown,¡± Liam said, breaking me out of my reverie. ¡°I heard from a colleague that there¡¯s a great program for kids Noah¡¯s age.¡± I paused for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s take a look.¡± Noah patted his seat cheerfully. ¡°I can¡¯t wait, Mommy, Daddy!¡± I turned to him, smiling. ¡°Remember, honey. School is a ce to learn, not just y. But Mommy promises, we¡¯ll find one that will make you feel at home.¡± Noah nodded firmly, his face full of enthusiasm. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 122 122 Sienna¡¯s POV I stood in front of the grand gate of the private elementary school, gazing at the school¡¯s name elegantly engraved on a marble que. The gate was tall, made of sturdy ck iron, adorned with purple bougainvillea flowers cascading beautifully on both sides. From inside came the cheerful voices of children, mixed with the sharp whistle of a PE teacher. Noah pressed his little face against the gate, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°Mommy, Daddy this ce is so cool!¡± he eximed enthusiastically. I smiled at him. His excitement felt contagious, even though inside me was an unease I couldn¡¯t quite exin. Choosing a school wasn¡¯t just about facilities or prestige. This was about Noah¡¯s future. About the new world he was about to enter. I lingered there in front of the gate, sensing an invisible weight resting on my shoulders. The morning breeze carried the scent of bougainvillea petals falling one by one to the ground, adding a peaceful touch Yet my heart was racing unevenly. Beside me, Liam stood with his hands in his pockets, watching Noah who was practically glued to the gate. From his expression, I caught a hint of pride slowly surfacing, though he tried to keep his face calm. As if he wanted to hide his surprise that the little boy who once always refused to take afternoon naps was now ready to step into a whole new world. I took a deep breath. shes of the past crossed my mind nights when I had to read fairy tales until my voice went hoarse just so Noah would stop crying, mornings when I rushed to prepare his lunchbox while battling the weight of exhaustion. None of it felt wasted, because today, that child stood here with sparkling eyes, eager to learn and discover the world. Other parents passed us by, some holding their children¡¯s hands, others chatting about registration schedules. I watched them, and without realizing it, felt small, afraid Noah wouldter bepared to other children, afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to give him the very best. Then I felt Noah¡¯s little hand clutching my fingers. ¡°Mommy, can I see inside?¡± he asked hopefully. That touch instantly calmed me. I looked down at him, smiled faintly, and nodded. I nced at Liam. His eyes met mine, carrying a subtle signal as if to say we could get through this together. For a moment, I believed it. Outside the gate, cars stopped one by one, dropping off new prospective students. Some looked neat in white uniforms, some hid shyly behind their parents. Noah was the opposite he stood tall, his eyes locked on the spacious yard inside, the small garden, and the cream¨Ccolored building reflecting the morning sun. I knew the next step wasn¡¯t just about opening the school gate. It was about opening a new door in our 122 lives for Noah, and for Liam and me as well. I squeezed Noah¡¯s hand a little tighter, my feet beginning to move slowly toward the registration desk near the gate. The tightness in my chest hadn¡¯t gone away, but there was a flicker of excitement sneaking in, carried by my son¡¯s eager smile. Readplete version only at find?novel ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go in first,¡± Liam said calmly, patting Noah¡¯s shoulder. We walked along the neat pathway, lined with little gardens on both sides. A few students who had just finished sports passed by,ughing, dressed in their white¨Cand¨Cblue sports uniforms. I could see how alive the atmosphere of this school was. A middle¨Caged woman with a warm smile weed us in the lobby. ¡°Wee, how may I help you?¡± I stepped forward. ¡°We¡¯d like some information about this school. For our son.¡± My hand instinctively pulled Noah a little closer. ¡°His name is Noah.¡± The woman bent slightly to greet Noah, then smiled again. ¡°Alright, please follow me to the administration office. The head of student admissions is there right now.¡± We followed her down a clean hallway, its walls filled with disys of students¡® artwork. There were bright paintings, coges, and photos of school activities. I studied them one by one and quietly smiled. I wanted Noah to feel an environment that valued creativity like this. In the administration office, a man in a light blue shirt introduced himself as Mr. Johan. He weed us politely and invited us to sit down. ¡°So, you¡¯d like to know about our school program?¡± he asked as he opened a brochure. I nodded. ¡°Yes, sir. Our son will be starting elementary school. We¡¯d like to know more details about the learning system, activities, and also the facilities.¡± Mr. Johan began exining patiently. He talked about the curriculum thatbined academic learning with creative activities, as well as a variety of extracurricr programs ranging from music, sports, to foreignnguages. There were also special sses designed to build children¡¯s character and leadership skills. Turning the pages of the brochure in his hand, Mr. Johan highlighted several key points. ¡°Here, we believe children learn not only from books. That¡¯s why, in addition to the national curriculum, we also include thematic programs that encourage them to observe, research, and retell. For example, in a theme about animals the children don¡¯t just learn from pictures, but also create small projects, draw, and sometimes even visit the zoo.¡± Noah, who was sitting beside me, immediately straightened up. ¡°Really? We can see real animals, sir?¡± he asked, his eyes shining. Mr. Johan gave a warm smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. And if you like dinosaurs, maybe one day you¡¯ll even get to help build a mini dinosaur museum with your friends.¡± Noah turned to me at once, almost bouncing out of his chair. ¡°Mommy, Mommy, I want to!¡± I chuckled softly, then looked at Mr. Johan. ¡°That will definitely be his favorite. Noah really loves dinosaurs.¡± Liam, who had been mostly quiet until then, finally spoke up. ¡°How about sports, sir? I want Noah to grow up healthy, not just study in the ssroom.¡± Mr. Johan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s an important part of our school. We have basic sports sses that include swimming, basketball, and futsal. Every child gets the chance to try them all, and then we see where their interests and talents lie. So no one feels left behind.¡± Noah looked up at Liam. ¡°Daddy, I want to try basketball! Like the games we watch on TV.¡± Liam ruffled Noah¡¯s hair, a small smile appearing on his face. ¡°Daddy will practice with you if you want.¡± I watched them, and a strange warmth crept in. For the first time in a long while, it felt like we were discussing Noah¡¯s future together not separately. Mr. Johan then pointed to a section in the brochure about facilities. ¡°To support learning, we have a library with thousands of children¡¯s books, aputerb, a music roomplete with instruments, and a spacious field. There¡¯s even an art room for painting and crafts.¡± I nodded slowly. ¡°That all sounds wonderful, sir. But what about individual attention for each child? I want Noah not to just be a ¡®number¡® in the ssroom.¡± Mr. Johan looked at me seriously. ¡°We limit each ss to only twenty students. That way, the teacher can truly get to know each child¡¯s character. We also provide counseling programs for both children and parents, to keepmunication strong.¡± I felt a weight lift slightly from my chest. That was one of my biggest worries, Noah being lost in the crowd without anyone truly noticing him. Sincerity 123 123 Sienna¡¯s POV I stood in front of the grand gate of the private elementary school, gazing at the school¡¯s name elegantly engraved on a marble que. The gate was tall, made of sturdy ck iron, adorned with purple bougainvillea flowers cascading beautifully on both sides. From inside came the cheerful voices of children, mixed with the sharp whistle of a PE teacher. Noah pressed his little face against the gate, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°Mommy, Daddy this ce is so cool!¡± he eximed enthusiastically. I smiled at him. His excitement felt contagious, even though inside me was an unease I couldn¡¯t quite exin. Choosing a school wasn¡¯t just about facilities or prestige. This was about Noah¡¯s future. About the new world he was about to enter. I lingered there in front of the gate, sensing an invisible weight resting on my shoulders. The morning breeze carried the scent of bougainvillea petals falling one by one to the ground, adding a peaceful touch. Yet my heart was racing unevenly. Beside me, Liam stood with his hands in his pockets, watching Noah who was practically glued to the gate. From his expression, I caught a hint of pride slowly surfacing, though he tried to keep his face calm. As if he wanted to hide his surprise that the little boy who once always refused to take afternoon naps was now ready to step into a whole new world. I took a deep breath. shes of the past crossed my mind nights when I had to read fairy tales until my voice went hoarse just so Noah would stop crying, mornings when I rushed to prepare his lunchbox while battling the weight of exhaustion. None of it felt wasted, because today, that child stood here with sparkling eyes, eager to learn and discover the world. Other parents passed us by, some holding their children¡¯s hands, others chatting about registration schedules. I watched them, and without realizing it, felt small, afraid Noah wouldter bepared to other children, afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to give him the very best. Then I felt Noah¡¯s little hand clutching my fingers. ¡°Mommy, can I see inside?¡± he asked hopefully. That touch instantly calmed me. I looked down at him, smiled faintly, and nodded. I nced at Liam. His eyes met mine, carrying a subtle signal as if to say we could get through this together. For a moment, I believed it. 5:33 PM Wed 1 Oct 123 34% Outside the gate, cars stopped one by one, dropping off new prospective students. Some looked neat in white uniforms, some hid shyly behind their parents. Noah was the opposite he stood tall, his eyes locked on the spacious yard inside, the small garden, and the cream¨Ccolored building reflecting the morning sun. I knew the next step wasn¡¯t just about opening the school gate. It was about opening a new door in our lives for Noah, and for Liam and me as well. I squeezed Noah¡¯s hand a little tighter, my feet beginning to move slowly toward the registration desk near the gate. The tightness in my chest hadn¡¯t gone away, but there was a flicker of excitement sneaking in, carried by my son¡¯s eager smile. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go in first,¡± Liam said calmly, patting Noah¡¯s shoulder. We walked along the neat pathway, lined with little gardens on both sides. A few students who had just finished sports passed by,ughing, dressed in their white¨Cand¨Cblue sports uniforms. I could see how alive the atmosphere of this school was. A middle¨Caged woman with a warm smile weed us in the lobby. ¡°Wee, how may I help you?¡± I stepped forward. ¡°We¡¯d like some information about this school. For our son.¡± My hand instinctively pulled Noah a little closer. ¡°His name is Noah.¡± The woman bent slightly to greet Noah, then smiled again. ¡°Alright, please follow me to the administration office. The head of student admissions is there right now.¡® We followed her down a clean hallway, its walls filled with disys of students¡® artwork. There were bright paintings, coges, and photos of school activities. I studied them one by one and quietly smiled. I wanted Noah to feel an environment that valued creativity like this. In the administration office, a man in a light blue shirt introduced himself as Mr. Johan. He weed us politely and invited us to sit down. ¡°So, you¡¯d like to know about our school program?¡± he asked as he opened a brochure, I nodded, ¡°Yes, sir. Our son will be starting elementary school. We¡¯d like to know more details about the learning system, activities, and also the facilities.¡± Mr. Johan began exining patiently. He talked about the curriculum thatbined academic learning with creative activities, as well as a variety of extracurricr programs ranging from music, sports, to foreignnguages. There were also special sses designed to build children¡¯s character and leadership skills. 6:33 PM Wed 1 Oct 123 34% Turning the pages of the brochure in his hand, Mr. Johan highlighted several key points. ¡°Here, we believe children learn not only from books. That¡¯s why, in addition to the national curriculum, we also include thematic programs that encourage them to observe, research, and retell. For example, in a theme about animals the children don¡¯t just learn from pictures, but also create small projects, draw, and sometimes even visit the ZOO.¡± Noah, who was sitting beside me, immediately straightened up. ¡°Really? We can see real animals, sir?¡± he asked, his eyes shining. Mr. Johan gave a warm smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. And if you like dinosaurs, maybe one day you¡¯ll even get to help build a mini dinosaur museum with your friends.¡± Noah turned to me at once, almost bouncing out of his chair. ¡°Mommy, Mommy, I want to!¡± I chuckled softly, then looked at Mr. Johan. ¡°That will definitely be his favorite. Noah really loves dinosaurs. Liam, who had been mostly quiet until then, finally spoke up. ¡°How about sports, sir? I want Noah to grow up healthy, not just study in the ssroom.¡± Mr. Johan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s an important part of our school. We have basic sports sses that include swimming, basketball, and futsal. Every child gets the chance to try them all, and then we see where their interests and talents lie. So no one feels left behind.¡± Noah looked up at Liam. ¡°Daddy, I want to try basketball! Like the games we watch on TV.¡® Liam ruffled Noah¡¯s hair, a small smile appearing on his face. ¡°Daddy will practice with you if you want. I watched them, and a strange warmth crept in. For the first time in a long while, it felt like we were discussing Noah¡¯s future together not separately. Mr. Johan then pointed to a section in the brochure about facilities. ¡°To support learning, we have a library with thousands of children¡¯s books, aputerb, a music roomplete with instruments, and a spacious field. There¡¯s even an art room for painting and crafts.¡± I nodded slowly, ¡°That all sounds wonderful, sir. But what about individual attention for each child? I want Noah not to just be a ¡®number¡® in the ssroom.¡± Mr. Johan looked at me seriously. ¡°We limit each ss to only twenty students. That way, the teacher can truly get to know each child¡¯s character. We also provide counseling programs for both children and parents, to keepmunication strong.¡± 6:33 PM Wed 1 Oct 340 123 ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find_Novel(. I felt a weight lift slightly from my chest. That was one of my biggest worries, Noah being lost in the crowd without anyone truly noticing him. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Sincerity 124 124 Sienna¡¯s POV Noah raised his hand again, as if he were already in ss. ¡°Sir, can I make a big dinosaur drawing and put it up on the ssroom wall?¡± Mr. Johanughed, then nodded firmly. ¡°Of course you can. In fact, we love it when children are brave enough to show their work.¡± Noah let out a small cheer. ¡°Yaaay!¡± I nced at Liam, catching the faint smile on his face. We exchanged a brief look before I turned back to Mr. Johan. ¡°Thank you so much for exining all this, sir. It really feels like this ce is the right fit for Noah.¡± Mr. Johan closed the brochure calmly. ¡°If you¡¯re ready, we can start the enrollment process. But there¡¯s no rush. What matters most is that you feel confident andfortable.¡± I nodded, squeezing Noah¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll think it through carefully. But it looks like Noah has already made up his mind.¡± My son nodded quickly, his face glowing with certainty. ¡°I want to go to school here, Mommy. I promise I¡¯ll be a good student.¡± That innocent sentence made me smile, though my eyes felt hot. For Noah, all of this was worth fighting for. Liam sat beside me, listening closely. Every now and then, he nodded, even asking questions I hadn¡¯t thought
  1. of.
¡°What about safety at this school? Is there strict supervision during ss hours and breaks?¡± he asked. I nced at Liam, both surprised and relieved. There was a seriousness in his eyes, a genuine focus on the details. As if he truly wanted to make sure Noah got the very best. Mr. Johan answered calmly. ¡°We have security guards at every gate, CCTV in public areas, and teachers who always supervise during recess. So parents don¡¯t need to worry.¡± I let out a breath of relief. Safety was one of the things I worried about most. I felt my body rx slightly, though my hands still clutched the brochure tightly in myp. Mr. Johan¡¯s words flowed steadily, exining one by one the details that had once filled my mind with anxiety. Each point about 3:59 PM Thu 2 Oct 124 33% +35 BONUS supervision, learning activities, and support for children¡¯s development made me feel less alone in protecting Noah. Beside me, Liam sat with his back straight. His eyes were fixed, absorbing every piece of information without missing a word. There was a new calmness about him, so different from the rushed, distant figure he had often been in the past. Seeing him like this felt strange, yet also reassuring. Noah was still busy with the brochure in his hands. His little fingers pointed at the pictures of bright ssrooms, a green yground, and a small, clean swimming pool. His eyes sparkled, and I could feel his excitement seeping into me. For him, all of this was just a new adventure waiting to begin. For me, it was a huge decision that would shape the days ahead. As the exnation continued, my mind asionally drifted. I remembered how, just a few months ago, I couldn¡¯t even imagine sitting in this room with Liam quietly listening to someone talk about our child¡¯s future. It had seemed impossible. And yet, here I was. The change was so real, though I still didn¡¯t dare fully trust it. The room remained quiet, only Mr. Johan¡¯s voice filling the air. I lowered my gaze for a moment, taking a deep breath, trying to sort through the tangle inside my head. The brochure in my hand felt heavier now not because of the paper, but because of the weight of the choice I was about to make. Noah, sitting on myp, didn¡¯t seem too interested in the adults¡® conversation. His eyes roamed around the room and stopped at arge poster showing children ying ser on a green field. ¡°Mommy, look! A ser field! I can y there, right?¡± he asked eagerly. I smiled, stroking his hair. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. If you go to school here, you can y on that field.¡± Noah let out a small cheer, then patted Liam¡¯s hand. ¡°Daddy, I want to go to school here! Pleeease?¡± Liam chuckled softly and nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s see everything first, son. But if you like it, Mommy and Daddy will think about it.¡± After that, we were taken on a tour of the school. The wide green field stretched out beside the main building, with a small spectator stand. There was a music room filled with instruments from piano and guitar to drums. Noah lingered there for a long time, his eyes glowing with curiosity. In the library, I felt a lump in my throat seeing shelves lined with children¡¯s books, with a reading corner decorated with colorful rugs and soft cushions. I could already picture Noah sitting there in a corner, reading his favorite storybook. ¡°This ce feels cozy,¡± I murmured. 3:59 PM Thu 2 Oct 124 63% +35 BONUS Walking beside me, Liam turned his head. ¡°Yeah. It seems they really think about the children¡¯sfort.¡± I nodded in agreement. Bit by bit, my nervousness eased. Seeing this environment, I felt Noah could truly grow here. Noah, meanwhile, almost never stopped asking questions. ¡°Mommy, if I go to school here, can I learn guitar? And can I y on the swings too?¡± Mr. Johan answered patiently. ¡°Of course. All of that is avable for our students.¡± Noah turned to me with the most genuine smile. ¡°Mommy, I like this ce.¡± My heart warmed at his words. I reached for his hand, holding it tightly. ¡°Then Mommy¡¯s happy too.¡± We returned to the administration office to collect the enrollment forms. Liam and I sat side by side, listening once more as the admission procedures and costs were exined. I worried for a moment about the fees, which were not small, but before I could say anything, Liam spoke first. ¡°It¡¯s alright. What matters is that Noah gets the best.¡± His words were simple, yet they made my chest tremble. I turned to him, staring at his face for a long moment. There was real determination there, and for once, I felt we were on the same side fighting for the same thing. Noah was still busy studying the school poster in his hands, his eyes full of dreams. I gently stroked his hair. On the way home, the atmosphere in the car felt different light, filled with smallughter. Noah sat in the back seat hugging the school brochure as if it were a treasure. His smile never faded, and he even hummed little tunes. Seeing him so happy warmed my heart. I nced at Liam, focused on the road. ¡°I think we should start buying Noah¡¯s school supplies,¡± I said softly. There was a note of relief in my voice, as though one of my biggest worries had just been lifted. Liam nced at me with a small smile. ¡°I agree. In fact, it¡¯s better if we buy them now, so Noah gets even more excited.¡± I blinked, a little surprised at his quick response. ¡°Now?¡± I asked, half hesitant. ¡°Why not?¡± Liam replied casually. ¡°We¡¯re already out, Noah¡¯s in high spirits. It feels like the right time. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find?novel Besides, I¡¯m still on leave today.¡± I hesitated for a moment, weighing it. Liam wasn¡¯t the type to rush into things like this. But this time, he truly seemed intent on giving his best. Finally, I smiled and nodded. 3:59 PM Thu 2 Oct 124 05% +35 BONUS ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go to the mall.¡± ¡°Noah, do you want a new backpack? Or maybe a pencil case with a ser ball on it?¡± Liam teased. ¡°Yaaay! I want everything, Daddy!¡± Noah shouted joyfully from the back seat. The car turned toward the mall. I looked out the window, my heart feeling lighter. Something was different today like Liam, Noah, and I were learning again how to be a family. A small beginning, but a deeply meaningful one. Sincerity 125 125 Sienna¡¯s POV 73% +35 BONUS My hand gripped Noah¡¯s small hand tight, while my other hand sat in Liam¡¯s. It felt odd yet so warm. The three of us walked down the mall hall, surrounded by bright lights and the murmur of people. Noah looked to the side sometimes, his eyes shining with wonder when he saw a toy shop or kids¡® clothes store with small dolls in nice looks. ¡°Mommy, that one can we go see?¡± he asked, pointing at a shop with racks full of stuffed toys. Iughed a little, then looked at Liam. ¡°What do you think, should we stop for a bit?¡± Liam made a tiny nod, a slight grin pulling at his mouth. ¡°Sure thing. Else, I guess Noah may just halt right here.¡± We went to the shop. The smell of new cloth and the sound of gentle tunes weed us right away. Noah dropped my hand quickly, dashing over to a rack of light brown teddy bears. He took one and held it close like it was the most dear treasure in the world. I went over and softly touched his hair. ¡°Do you like that one?¡± ¡°Mm¨Chm!¡± Noah nodded quickly, his eyes glowing. Liam stood close to me, his arms folded as he looked at us. There was something in his look nice, steady but holding a meaning I couldn¡¯t fully express. When we locked eyes, my heart raced. I quickly turned away, back to Noah. ¡°Okay, just one, alright? Not a lot,¡± I said softly. Noah said yes, but he couldn¡¯t stop looking at the other bears. After we paid at the register, we kept walking in the mall. Somehow, air felt lighter now. Noah held his new teddy close, while my hand stayed in Liam¡¯s. I didn¡¯t let go. For some reason, it felt safe there. We stopped in front of a caf¨¦. The smell of coffee and warm bread made my tummy rumble. I hadn¡¯t had food since noon. Liam saw my face and lifted an eyebrow. ¡°Wanna take a break?¡± I nodded. ¡°Sounds like a good idea.¡± We sat close to the big window, where we could see folks walking by outside. Noah was busy ying with his 6:27 PM Fri 3 Oct 125 bear, making silly sounds andughing to himself. Watching him so d filled my heart with warmth, Liam handed me the menu. ¡°What would you like?¡± I scanned the drinks list. ¡°Just atte.¡± ¡°And for Noah?¡± he asked gently. ¡°You pick. As long as it ain¡¯t coffee,¡± I said with a tiny grin. 73% +35 BONUS Soon, our food came: a hottte for me, an espresso for Liam and a hot chocte for Noah. The three of us sit together, like a little family that feels almost perfect. I drank my drink slowly, trying to ease my mind. But the more I tried, the more I saw: a part of me was scared of getting too cozy with all this. Scared that this short joy was nothing but a trick. Yet, as I saw Noah giggle with Liam and felt his warm hand still hold mine I couldn¡¯t help but wonder was it wrong to wish even just a bit? After finishing at the caf¨¦, we continued walking. ¡°Mommy hurry over there¡± Noah pointed at a big store with a show full of bright schoolbags His eyes shined as if he just found a new world I chuckled softly. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take a look.¡± As soon as we walked in, Noah¡¯s eyes fixed on a line of bags with superhero images. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk ¨C all the things he liked. He dashed to the shelves, letting go of my hand for a bit. Liam just shook his head a little, grinning at his kid¡¯s joy. ¡°Noah, don¡¯t go too far¡± I called, though I knew he wouldn¡¯t. Liam looked at me. ¡°He¡¯s liked the Avengers for a bit, isn¡¯t it?¡± I nodded. ¡°Sure, he knows all the parts by heart. He can even talk and talk about who¡¯s stronger than each other.¡± Liamughed quietly, his look gentle. I knew there was sorrow behind that grin. Sorrow for losing so many times of Noah¡¯s growing up. But I didn¡¯t say it out loud because I knew he already knew. ¡°Mommy! Daddy! Look at this!¡± Noah held up a blue bag with Captain America on it, his face lit up with excitement. ¡°Isn¡¯t it very cool?¡± 6:27 PM Fri 3 Oct 125 73% +35 BONUS I moved nearer, rubbing my hand on the bag. The stuff was strong, the size just right for Noah¡¯s little back. ¡°Hmm it is really nice Do you like it.¡± Noah nodded eagerly. ¡°I love it!¡± Liam messed up his boy¡¯s hair. ¡°If you like it, then it¡¯s the best pick. A Captain America bag for a Daddy and Mommy¡¯s little hero.¡± Noahughed, and I just grinned at the view of them together. Something nice softly grew in my heart. We finished with the backpack and went to the shoe area. I knew Noah¡¯s new school needed simple ck shoes, so I checked his size. A shop helper came to assist, and Noah sat on a little chair to try a few pairs on. ¡°How is it Noah? Comfy?¡± I asked as he tried on a pair of ck shoes with a small white ent on the sole. Noah got up, moved back and forth, then hopped a bit. ¡°They feel so nice Mommy! I can run like The sh!¡± he said innocently. Iughed softly. ¡°The sh isn¡¯t an Avenger, sweetheart,¡± I said, ncing at Liam with an amused shake of my head. Liam chuckled slowly. ¡°What matters is that he likes them. Looks like these are the right ones, don¡¯t you think?¡± I nodded. ¡°Yes, they fit perfectly.¡± Once the shoes were chosen, we walked over to the stationery section. There were all kinds of pencil cases with cute designs from cartoon characters to more superheroes. Noah looked torn, so I let him pick them up one by one. ¡°I¡¯ll take this one, Mommy.¡± He showed me a pencil case with Iron Man on it. ¡°Great choice. Now let¡¯s fill it up. Grab some pencils, an eraser, a ruler.¡± I started picking up the supplies we needed. Liam joined in, even checking carefully to make sure everything was good quality. ¡°Should we buy two pencil cases, just in case one gets lost?¡± Liam asked seriously. I gave a faint smile. ¡°Let¡¯s start with one. If we need anotherter, we can buy it then.¡± I nced at Noah, who was now busy arranging all his school things in the basket. There was a spark of excitement in his eyes. 6:27 PM Fri 3 Oct 73% 125 Checktest chapters at find¡¤novel +35 BONUS Seeing that, I felt relieved. All the effort today, all the energy spent, was worth it just to see Noah¡¯s smile. When we were done, we walked out of the store. Liam carried several shopping bags while I held Noah¡¯s hand, his face glowing with satisfaction. ¡°Mommy, I can¡¯t wait to start at my new school. I promise I¡¯ll study hard,¡± Noah said eagerly. I squeezed his hand gently. ¡°That¡¯s all Mommy hopes for, sweetheart.¡± to Sincerity 126 126 Sienna¡¯s POV 3 73% +35 BONUS I nced briefly at Liam. He walked beside me, asionally stealing nces with a faint smile. For more chapters visit Find?Novel My eyes fell on the shopping bags in his hands before returning to Noah, who wouldn¡¯t stop chattering about his new backpack. His mouth ran on and on, full of energy, as if the whole world favored him today. I smiled, though a bittersweet ache stirred inside me, wishing life could truly be this simple. ¡°Mommy, when I go to school, I¡¯ll be able to write fast like you, right?¡± Noah suddenly asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. I nodded gently, trying to hide the turmoil inside. ¡°Of course, sweetheart. Mommy knows you can. You¡¯re smart, as long as you keep practicing.¡± Noah giggled, then moved on to talk about the friends he imagined he would meet. ¡°I want to have lots of friends, Mommy. And if someone doesn¡¯t have lunch, I¡¯ll share mine. Is that okay?¡± I nearly choked up at his innocence. For such a young child to already think about sharing I stroked his hair, fighting back the tears threatening to fall. ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you, Noah. Mommy is so proud of you.¡± ? Liam walked beside me, quietly listening. The faint smile that had only flickered before now lingered more clearly. He looked at me in a way that was hard to interpret as though there was something he wanted to say but couldn¡¯t. ¡°Noah is such a good boy,¡± he finally said, his low voice making me nce at him. I could only nod, quickly lowering my head so he wouldn¡¯t see how deeply his words shook me. We kept walking, blending into the evening crowd as the mall grew busier. Suddenly, Noah stopped in front of a bookstore. He tugged on my hand. ¡°Mommy, can we go in for a bit? I want to find a storybook.¡± I hesitated, but his pleading eyes were impossible to refuse. I turned to Liam, silently asking for his approval. He just gave a small nod. ¡°We still have time.¡± So we went in. The familiar scent of paper and ink filled the air, wrapping us in a warm, calming atmosphere. Noah ran straight to the children¡¯s section, his eyes lighting up at the colorful covers. He grabbed a book with a big green dragon on it and held it up to me. 6:27 PM Fri 3 Oct 126 ¡°Mommy, this one! I want this one. The dragon¡¯s cute.¡± I chuckled. ¡°Cute? Mommy thinks it¡¯s a little scary.¡± 72% +35 BONUS ¡°But it¡¯s scary in a fun way,¡± Noah replied quickly, making Liamugh beside me. Thatugh made me look up. There was something about it light, genuine, and so rare to hear from him. It felt like a tiny crack opening inside me, one I wanted to ignore but couldn¡¯t. We bought the book and returned to the corridor. Noah eagerly flipped open the first pages as he walked, humming happily to himself. ¡°He really can¡¯t stay still, can he?¡± Liam remarked with a half¨Cjoking tone, ncing at me. I smiled, looking down. ¡°That¡¯s Noah. He always finds a way to make the world noisier.¡± We passed through an area decorated with grand, glittering chandeliers, and Noah stopped in awe. He looked up, his round eyes full of wonder. ¡°Mommy, look! It¡¯s so beautiful!¡± I looked up too, and for a moment, it felt like all theplications of my life had paused. There was only the sparkle of lights, my son¡¯sughter, and Liam standing quietly beside me silent, but warm. I drew a deep breath, trying to calm the storm I couldn¡¯t name. If only everything really could be this simple. ¡°Mommy, I want to wear my new backpack right away when I go to school,¡± Noah said, his eyes shining. I stroked his head. ¡°Of course, sweetheart. But for now, let¡¯s keep it put away, so it feels brand new on your first day of school.¡± Noah pouted a little, then giggled. ¡°Alright. But can I try the shoes again at home?¡± I nodded, though inside I couldn¡¯t help thinking how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday I was cradling a tiny baby in my arms, and now he was busy picking out his school bag and new shoes. Something pressed tightly in my chest a mix of joy and sadness I couldn¡¯t put into words. Beside me, Liam walked quietly, shopping bags in one hand, while his other hand had rested briefly on Noah¡¯s shoulder earlier. There was something on his face a pride he couldn¡¯t hide. I knew this was the first time he had truly been part of a moment like this. We paused for a bit in front of a drink stall. Noah immediately pointed. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m thirsty.¡± I nced at Liam, about to ask if he minded stopping for a while, but he had already stepped forward to the 6:27 PM Fri 3 Oct 126 3 72% +35 BONUS counter and ordered three drinks. No words, no fuss. I could only watch him, then lower my gaze, trying to hide the warmth that suddenly bloomed in my chest. ¡°Noah, here¡¯s orange juice for you,¡± Liam said, handing over a small stic cup with a straw. ¡°Yay, thanks, Daddy!¡± Noah took it eagerly and drank right away. I epted the cappino Liam handed me. ¡°You always remember,¡± I said softly. Liam gave a faint smile. ¡°I will never forget what you like, Sienna.¡± His words left me silent. I turned my face away, pretending to fix Noah¡¯s hair, when in truth I was trying to steady my own heart. It all felt soplicated, as if I were standing at a crossroads with no clear path. After a short break, we continued walking. Noah still clung to my hand, while Liam walked on my other side. I nced down at our reflections on the mall¡¯s polished floor three figures that seemed to move as one. I swallowed hard. ¡°Liam.¡± I forced myself to speak. He turned. ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°Are you sure about all of this? About us trying again?¡± I asked quietly. Liam looked at me for a long moment before letting out a breath. ¡°Sienna, I can¡¯t promise it¡¯ll be easy. But one thing I know for certain I don¡¯t want to lose this again. You, Noah you¡¯re my home.¡± His words made my eyes sting. I quickly lowered my head, afraid Noah might notice. ¡°Mommy, why are you so quiet?¡± Noah asked curiously. I forced a smile and caressed his cheek. ¡°Nothing, sweetheart. Mommy¡¯s just happy seeing you this excited.¡± Atst, we stepped out of the mall and headed for the parking lot. I gripped Noah¡¯s hand more tightly, while Liam opened the car door and ced the shopping bags on the back seat. When the car started moving, I turned my gaze toward the window. In my head, doubts still lingered, and fear still gnawed at me. But for now, I just wanted to hold on to this simple happiness. Maybe, I thought, this was a new beginning. I had to be brave enough to face it for Noah, for myself, and maybe for the three of us together. Sincerity 127 127 127 Sienna¡¯s POV The car slowed down and finally stopped in front of a restaurant with an elegant signboard,rge windows, and warm lights glittering from inside. I looked around in confusion, even ncing at Liam with my brows raised. ¡°Why are we stopping here?¡± I asked. Liam nced at me briefly, a small curve on his lips. ¡°Because we¡¯re going to eat here. We¡¯ve been walking around the mall all day. I¡¯m sure you two are tired. So why not sit down and enjoy a nice meal?¡± I stayed silent. This restaurant clearly wasn¡¯t an ordinary ce you¡¯d just walk into. From the outside alone, the atmosphere felt luxurious. I wanted to protest, to say we should just head home and I could cook there instead. I tightened my grip on my hands resting on myp, searching for a reason to refuse without making things awkward. It all felt too much. I lowered my gaze for a moment, sighed, then nced at Noah in the back seat. The boy still had his face pressed against the car window, his eyes sparkling at the warm lights inside the restaurant. He even pressed the little teddy bear he¡¯d just bought against the ss, as if letting it ¡°take a look¡± too. Hisugh was soft but clear, full of curiosity I couldn¡¯t bear to crush. I rubbed my temple, already feeling defeated before even trying. ¡°Noah, do you like it?¡± I asked gently. ¡°Yes, Mommy! Look, it¡¯s so pretty. There are candles on the tables like in the movies!¡± he said excitedly. I went silent. His innocent face was too hard to refuse. Liam turned off the engine, leaning back in his seat with ease. His voice was low but steady. ¡°Sienna, I know you¡¯re worried. But this is just dinner, it¡¯s not something you need to overthink. I promise it won¡¯t be a hassle for you.¡± I nced at him briefly, meeting his steady eyes. There was no arrogance, no trace of showing off, just a simple sincerity that, for some reason, made my chest tighten. ¡°Noah¡¯s already excited,¡± he added with a small nce at the back seat, his lips curving again. I followed his gaze. God, the boy had already unbuckled his seatbelt, waiting for the signal to get out. ¡°If you feel this is too much, we can find another ce. But honestly, I just want to see you two sit down, rx, and enjoy a meal without thinking about anything else. There¡¯s nothing wrong with that once in a while, is 6:36 PM Sat 4 Oct ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find?Novel 127 there?¡± 3 41%¨C +35 BONUS His words struck gently. I swallowed, still hesitant, but inside me there was a voice whispering: could I allow myself, just for a moment, to enjoy something without guilt? I gripped my bag tighter on myp. ¡°I¡¯m just not used to it,¡± I whispered, barely audible. Liam didn¡¯t answer right away. He only gave a small nod, then looked straight ahead as if giving me time to weigh it. ¡°That¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to be used to it. Tonight just has to be a pleasant evening. That¡¯s all.¡± A short silence filled the car. Only Noah¡¯s little cough broke it, followed by his eager voice, ¡°Come on, Mommy. I¡¯m hungry. Please?¡± I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. When I opened them again, Noah was already gazing at me with pleading eyes, his smile so pure and innocent. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to disappoint such a little boy. Slowly, I nodded. ¡°Alright. But just dinner, then we go home.¡± Noah immediately cheered softly, making me smile faintly despite the heaviness still sitting inside me. I nced at Liam. He didn¡¯t say anything, only gave me a subtle nod that felt more meaningful than a thousand words. There was calm in his eyes, as if he understood just how hard it was for me to give this simple approval. My hand was already on the door handle, but my heart still pounded. It felt like stepping into a world that didn¡¯t belong to me. ¡°Yay! We¡¯re eating here? Daddy, I want fried chicken, okay?¡± Liam chuckled, turning to the back and nodding. ¡°Of course, son. I¡¯m sure they have really good fried chicken here.¡± Noah bounced on his seat as if he¡¯d just been given the biggest gift. I could only take a deep breath. That child was always so easy to please. Liam got out first, then opened the door for me and Noah. His movement was simple, yet somehow I felt something had shifted. We walked inside, greeted by neatly dressed waiters who immediately guided us to a prepared table. A spot near therge window, overlooking the city slowly filling with evening lights. I sat down, carefully ncing around. The feeling of awkwardness still clung to me. ¡°Liam, ¡± I whispered once the waiter left, ¡°you don¡¯t have to go this far. We could¡¯ve just eaten at home.¡± 6:37 PM Sat 4 OCT 127 74170 +35 BONUS He only shrugged, locking eyes with me. ¡°Once in a while isn¡¯t a bad thing. Think of this as a little celebration. We started a new chapter today, didn¡¯t we?¡± His words made my heart tremble faintly. I didn¡¯t reply right away, only bowed my head, pretending to fix the spoon on the table. Beside me, Noah was busy flipping through the menu, though it was obvious he was only looking at the pictures. ¡°Mommy, look! There really is fried chicken!¡± he eximed, pointing at the colorful page. I chuckled, ruffling his hair. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. We¡¯ll order thatter.¡± Not long after, the waiter returned, taking our orders. Liam asked for steak, I chose grilled salmon, and of course Noah firmly dered fried chicken with fries. The waiter smiled, then left us with the promise that the food would be out soon. I leaned back against my chair, trying to rx a little. The atmosphere of the restaurant was too perfect, the soft music ying, the aroma of dishes filling the air, and the dim warm lights making everything feel cozy. Yet behind it all, my mind was still in turmoil. Sincerity 128 128 Sienna¡¯s POV I reached for the ss of water in front of me and took a slow sip. The cold liquid was refreshing, but not enough to calm the chaos in my head. Beside me, Noah was still engrossed in the picture book of dragons he had picked up from the bookstore earlier. Every now and then he would show it to me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°Mommy, look. This dragon can fly really high,¡± he said, pointing at the big illustration. I gave him a faint smile, stroking his head. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. That dragon is really strong.¡± Liam, sitting across from us, leaned forward to look at the book too. ¡°Do you like dragons, Noah?¡± he asked. Noah nodded quickly. ¡°Yes! I want to have a real dragon, so I can fly to school every day.¡± A smallugh slipped from Liam¡¯s lips, and I could only smile while shaking my head slightly. The sight felt strange but warm at the same time Noah being so open, Liam willing to be involved, and me just sitting there, observing, trying to understand this new dynamic. For a brief moment, I caught Liam¡¯s gaze on me. There was something in it soft, calming, but also unsettling. I quickly looked down, pretending to tidy Noah¡¯s book. ¡°So, what ns do you have for tomorrow?¡± Liam¡¯s voice broke the silence. I nced at him, then shrugged. ¡°Nothing special. Probably just staying home, tidying up a bit.¡± ¡°Noah¡¯s going to help too, right?¡± Liam looked at the little boy. ¡°I can, Uncle! I can tidy up my toys myself,¡± Noah replied eagerly. I chuckled, though inside I felt a small pang hearing him call Liam ¡°Uncle.¡± There was a thin, strange pause as if their rtionship was closer than such a polite address suggested. Liam only nodded with a smile. ¡°Good. Smart kids do that.¡± Silence crept in again, broken only by the soft notes of background music from the restaurant¡¯s speakers. I leaned back against my chair, trying to calm my heart. But every time my gaze identally met Liam¡¯s, my heartbeat quickened. I knew I should keep my distance. This felt toofortable, too dangerous. The warmth I felt could easily turn into a double¨Cedged sword lulling me in, only to leave scars behind. ¡°This restaurant is too fancy,¡± I finally said, breaking the growing heaviness of silence. ¡°I¡¯m not used to it.¡± Liam looked at me calmly. ¡°I know. But I didn¡¯t bring you here to make things awkward. I just wanted enjoy today in peace. That¡¯s all.¡± you to I bit my lip, guilt rising for assuming too much. Meanwhile, Noah seemedpletely carefree, busy cing his toy on the table as if it were joining us for dinner. ¡°Tonight you don¡¯t have to think about anything, Sienna,¡± Liam continued in a low voice. ¡°Just enjoy it.¡±
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128 +25 BONUS Latest content published on Find¡ïNovel I fell silent. His words were simple, but they touched something deep inside me. Noah looked up, adding innocently, ¡°Yeah, Mommy. Just enjoy it. We almost never eat at ces like this.¡± I managed a small smile, holding back the heavy breath in my chest. For a moment, I let myself go with the flow as if tonight really did belong to the three of us. Liam looked at me, then spoke softly. ¡°I know you¡¯re still uncertain.¡± I turned to him, startled. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Your eyes don¡¯t lie. You¡¯re still wondering if this is right, if we¡¯re not just going to repeat the same mistakes.¡± His voice was calm, but it struck straight to the core. I stayed quiet, unable to deny it. My gaze fell on Noah, now busy drawing with the crayons the restaurant had provided. His face was calm, innocent, happy with the simplest things. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to be wrong again,¡± I finally whispered. ¡°I don¡¯t want Noah to get hurt.¡± Liam reached his hand across the table, his fingers brushing lightly against the back of mine. ¡°I don¡¯t either. That¡¯s why I¡¯m trying now. Because I¡¯ve realized what I¡¯ve been searching for has always been right in front of me.¡± His words made my eyes sting. I quickly pulled my hand away, afraid tears would fafthere and now. ¡°Liam, don¡¯t say sweet things if you¡¯re just going to break them again,¡± I said, trying to sound firm though my voice trembled. He didn¡¯t take offense. Instead, he smiled faintly. ¡°I understand. You need proof, not words. So let me show you through my actions.¡± I couldn¡¯t respond. I just looked at him briefly before turning my gaze away. Not long after, the food arrived. Noah squealed with delight at therge portion of fried chicken in front of him. His hands got busy right away, his mouth never stopping as he chewed and chattered. ¡°This is so good! Mommy, Daddy, you have to try!¡± I smiled, tasting a small piece of chicken from Noah¡¯s te. It was delicious, crispy and savory. But what felt even better was seeing my son¡¯s face lit with happiness. Liam tasted it too, even yfully bickering with Noah over bites, making the boyugh. That sight lit something inside me, a vision of a small, warm family I thought I had lost forever. ¡°Daddy, when I go to school, you¡¯ll take me, right?¡± Noah suddenly asked, his eyes sparkling with hope. The simple question made me freeze. I turned to Liam, waiting for his answer, my heart pounding. ¡°Of course,¡± Liam replied without hesitation. ¡°Daddy will take you on your first day, and if possible, every day. Noah¡¯s eyes shone even brighter, as if his new world was about to begin perfectly. I let out a long breath, gazing at my son with deep affection. All the weariness and confusion seemed to fade every time I saw his innocent smile. Liam then turned to me, his gaze warm. ¡°I hope Mommy will be there too. Because I want Noah to know he has. 128 both of us.¡± His words left me silent. Tears threatened to spill, but I quickly looked away, pretending to busy myself with the piece of salmon on my te. ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± I answered briefly, trying to close the door on too much hope. Liam didn¡¯t reply, only offered a faint smile as if he understood that I needed time. Dinner went on in a surprisingly warm atmosphere, filled with Noah¡¯sughter and asional light conversations between Liam and me. There were no arguments, no shadows of the past looming over that table. There was only the three of us, as if beginning a new chapter. I realized then that maybe I¡¯d been too hard on myself, too intent on refusing. Because the truth was, I needed moments like this too. I needed to feel that home didn¡¯t always mean being alone, that I could lean on someone, even if just for a little while. Noah finished first, leaving some fried chicken on his te. ¡°I¡¯m so full! Mommy, Daddy, can I have ice cream?¡± I was about to refuse, but Liamughed first. ¡°Just one scoop, okay? Daddy will order it for you.¡± Noah jumped with joy. I exhaled, unable to hold back a faint smile as I watched them. While waiting for dessert, my gaze drifted back to the window. The city lights had alreadye on, twinkling like stars scattered on the earth. A quiet calm slipped into my chest, though deep inside, fear still lingered. In this small moment, I felt maybe I could try again. Not just for Liam, but for Noah and for myself. I turned back, watching Noah animatedly telling stories as he waited for his ice cream, and Liamughing patiently at every word. This time, my smile came more sincerely. For tonight, I allowed myself to believe that everything could be okay. Sincerity 129 129 ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? F¦ÉndNovel Sienna¡¯s POV The streetlights were still glowing dimly when Liam¡¯s car stopped in front of the house. I nced into the back seat, Noah had already fallen asleep, his face peaceful, his breathing steady, his small lips slightly parted. I smiled faintly, a wave of relief and tenderness washing over me at the sight of him so calm after a full day wandering around the mall. Liam turned off the engine, then looked at me briefly before getting out. ¡°I¡¯ll carry Noah. Can you take the shopping bags?¡± he asked softly. I nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll take them.¡± He carefully opened the back door, lifting Noah¡¯s little body with such gentleness that he didn¡¯t wake. The boy stirred slightly, murmured something incoherent, then sank back into deep sleep in his father¡¯s arms. The sight made my heart tremble again. We walked quietly into the house. Liam headed upstairs to Noah¡¯s room,ying him down on the bed with such care. I paused at the doorway, watching from afar. Meanwhile, I went to the kitchen, cing the groceries on the table. The house felf silent, only the sound of our footsteps filling the air. Without thinking much, I took two cups, poured hot water, and prepared coffee for us both. I didn¡¯t know why, but I wanted to prolong this moment, even if it was just sitting together in silence. I sat briefly at the kitchen table, my palms circling the warm cup I had just filled. A thin wisp of steam rose into the air, carrying a calming aroma. My chest still throbbed with an inexplicable rhythm, whether from the exhaustion of the day or from the image of Liam carrying Noah just moments ago, so carefully, as though the world might copse if he slipped. My hands trembled slightly as I set the first cup on the table. I nced at the doorway, half¨Cexpecting to hear his footstepsing down. But all I heard was silence, the slow whir of the kitchen fan and the monotonous ticking of the clock. Thinking back, this was the first time I had let someone else, besides myself, take care of Noah in such an intimate way. Usually, I was always on guard, always making sure I did everything myself. But tonight, I didn¡¯t feel threatened. Instead, I felt something strange a sense of relief. I stood again, fussing with the groceries on the kitchen table just to keep myself busy. Bags of fruit, bread, and other essentials stilly neatly packed. I moved some into the fridge, arranging them casually so they wouldn¡¯t just sit there. Each movement was slow, as if I were stretching time before Liam finally appeared. There was a vague restlessness in me, like waiting for something I couldn¡¯t quite name. I returned to the table, stirring the second cup of coffee. The small clinking of the spoon against the ceramic sounded loud in the stillness of the house. My fingers stilled, then I set the spoon down. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my thoughts. My eyes drifted toward Noah¡¯s room upstairs. In my mind, I imagined Liam still sitting at the bedside, perhaps 129 making sure Noah was really fast asleep. That image filled me with a warmth I couldn¡¯t ignore. I sipped a little coffee, its bitterness immediately coating my tongue. Oddly enough, the bitterness made me feel more grounded, more connected to the moment. ¡°Don¡¯t get carried away!¡± I whispered to myself, tapping my cheeks lightly. But the more I reminded myself, the more the warmth lingered. I turned again toward the stairs. Atst, the faint creak of wood reached my ears, measured, steady steps descending one by one. My heart pounded harder for no logical reason. I hurriedly fixed my hair, then pretended to busy myself with arranging the cups more neatly on the table. The footsteps drew nearer, until finally his figure appeared at the kitchen doorway. I straightened, trying to act calm, as if I hadn¡¯t been waiting all along. ¡°He¡¯s fast asleep,¡± Liam said with a small sigh. Then his eyesnded on the coffee cups I had set on the living room table. ¡°You made coffee?¡± I gave a brief smile. ¡°I thought we could use it. Today was pretty tiring, wasn¡¯t it?¡± He smiled too, then sat down on the sofa. I handed him one of the cups and sat beside him. The TV in front of us was off, its ck screen faintly reflecting our faces. Strangely, the quiet didn¡¯t feel awkward. I took a slow sip of my coffee, then said, ¡°I¡¯m d about today.¡± Liam turned, looking at me with an unreadable expression. ¡°Me too,¡± he answered simply, but with weight. We sat in silence for a moment, only the ticking of the clock breaking it. Then Liam spoke again. ¡°How¡¯s your noveling along?¡± I exhaled, lowering my gaze for a moment before answering. ¡°Almost finished. I think I might publish it. I¡¯ve dyed it for too long. ¡± Liam¡¯s smile broadened, this time brighter. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that. I know how important writing is to you.¡± Warmth spread through my chest, though I didn¡¯t show much of it. I only nodded slowly. ¡°Yes, writing has always been my way to breathe.¡± Liam nodded in understanding, then looked at me again, his face more serious. ¡°In that case, there¡¯s something else I want to ask. Tomorrow will you move your things here?¡± His question startled me. I turned quickly, my eyes widening. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to move inpletely, Liam.¡± His face fell slightly, though he tried to hide it. ¡°Why? I thought after today after everything we did together.¡± I set my cup down on the table, letting out a long breath. ¡°I¡¯ll go back to my apartment tomorrow. It doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve changed my mind about Noah or about us. It¡¯s just 129 that I need time. I want to think it over once more.¡± Liam¡¯s expression tightened, his eyes shing with a hint of panic. ¡°Noah will be sad if you leave. He¡¯s already gotten used to having you here.¡± I looked at him gently, trying to calm him. ¡°Liam, listen to me. I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯te back. I just want to make sure my heart is at peace. It doesn¡¯t feel right to stay here while our rtionship is still undefined. I don¡¯t want to create confusion, not for me, not for you, and especially not for Noah.¡± He fell silent, staring at me with eyes full of worry. His hand gripped his cup tightly, as if holding something back. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll change your mind,¡± he finally whispered, his voice low. I met his gaze, steady. ¡°I won¡¯t change my mind about Noah. He¡¯s our son, and I want the best for him. But about us, Liam, we need time. I don¡¯t want to rush and regret it again. I¡¯ve been through that before, and I don¡¯t want to repeat it.¡± Sincerity 130 Sienna¡¯s POV Silence filled the room. Only the warm yet bitter scent of coffee lingered. I knew my words hurt him, but I also knew this was what had to be said. Liam didn¡¯t answer right away. He lowered his head, his shoulders slumping slightly, as though the weight he carried was too heavy. His fingers tapped the rim of the cup in an uneven rhythm, betraying his restless mind. ¡°I understand,¡± he said atst, so softly it was almost a murmur. ¡°I know you need time. I know I¡¯ve made mistakes too many, maybe. But I¡¯m also scared, Sienna. Scared that this chance will slip away before I can make things right.¡± I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. A part of me wanted to erase his fear withforting words, to assure him I would always be there. But another part knew that if I made promises too soon, I¡¯d only trap myself in the same cycle again. ¡°Liam,¡± I said, my voice as soft as I could make it. ¡°If I Official source is find?novel The question pierced me deeper than I expected. My heart raced, heat flushed through me. I honestly didn¡¯t know how to answer. How could I give a simple response to something soplicated? Atst, I drew a long breath. ¡°Those feelings didn¡¯t just disappear. But the wounds haven¡¯t healed either. I¡¯m still learning to ept everything. So don¡¯t push me to give you a clear answer right now.¡± Liam closed his eyes briefly, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± His voice was low, almost resigned, but I could see him holding his emotions back. I touched my cup, turning it slowly between my fingers, trying to ease the tension. Silence fell again, broken only by the steady ticking of the clock. Strangely, it wasn¡¯t entirely ufortable. It felt like we were both standing at the same crossroads, aware of the paths ahead, knowing we had to tread carefully. ¡°I won¡¯t give up,¡± Liam said suddenly, breaking the silence. His gaze locked onto mine again, steadier this time. ¡°I¡¯ll give you time. But don¡¯t misunderstand, Sienna. I¡¯ll keep trying. I¡¯ll prove to you that I can change, that I deserve another chance.¡± Warmth and ache tangled in my chest at his words. A part of me wanted to believe, to hand all my fears over to his embrace. But I restrained myself, knowing trust had to be rebuilt slowly, not with words alone. I simply nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll see, Liam. Let time prove it.¡± He exhaled deeply, as if releasing a burden. A faint, sincere smile tugged at his lips. ¡°Then I¡¯ll start with small things. Like making coffee for you every night.¡± I chuckled softly, finally allowing a smile to form. ¡°If the coffee is this good, maybe I¡¯ll considering over more often.¡± 130 +25 BONUS Liamughed quietly, the sound warm, and for a moment it made me forget the heaviness between us. That night, we sat together in silence again, but this time it felt different. Not a silence full of distance, but one that left space for hope. ¡°I know you¡¯re afraid I¡¯ll change my mind, but trust me that¡¯s not what I want. I just need space to think. I want that when I finally decide to live here, I¡¯ll have no doubts left.¡± He was quiet for a moment, then nodded. ¡°I understand. I¡¯m just afraid of losing you again.¡± I lowered my gaze, pressing my lips tightly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid too, Liam. But if we want to fix things, isn¡¯t it better to start honestly, without forcing anything?¡± He let out a long breath, his voice low. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± The silence returned. I could still feel the distance between us, even though we sat side by side. I wanted to close that gap, but I also knew I had to stay true to my decision. My eyes drifted toward Noah¡¯s bedroom door upstairs. In my mind, I pictured him asleep, peaceful and unaware of how tangled his parents¡® hearts were. A bittersweet smile touched my lips. ¡°I just don¡¯t want Noah to feel our confusion. He deserves a family that¡¯s clear, that isn¡¯t fragile. Liam looked at me for a long time, then his hand moved slowly, touching the back of mine on the sofa. The touch was warm, hesitant, but sincere. ¡°I promise, I¡¯ll do my best. For you, for Noah.¡± I turned to him, and our eyes met. In them, I saw fear, love, and hope all at once. Deep inside, my heart whispered that I still loved him. But I couldn¡¯t let that feeling cloud my reason. Liam finally gave a small nod, though his face remained tense. ¡°Alright. If that¡¯s what you need. I¡¯ll try to respect it.¡± I let out a sigh of relief, though my heart ached seeing him like that. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered. Drawing in a deep breath, I tried to calm the storm inside me. There was guilt for disappointing Liam, but also relief for being honest with myself. I didn¡¯t want to repeat old mistakes by rushing into a decision. ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll go back to the apartment first. But I promise, I¡¯lle back. I just need to make sure I¡¯m truly ready.¡± Liam looked at me deeply, then gave a slow nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting. ¡°It¡¯ste, Sienna. You must be tired you should sleep.¡± >> I exhaled softly, ncing at the cup of coffee that had gonepletely cold. A part of me wanted to keep sitting here, savoring this rare togetherness we had, but I knew Liam was right. My body felt heavy after a long day out with Noah. ¡°Yeah, maybe you¡¯re right,¡± I replied with a faint smile. ¡°I do need some rest.¡± He nodded briefly. ¡°Me too. Tomorrow we still have a lot to face.¡± A brief silence filled the room once more. I stood, straightened my clothes slightly, then walked toward the hallway. Liam rose as well, but didn¡¯t try to stop me. We only exchanged a look, one heavy with meaning but left 130 unspoken. ¡°Good night, Liam,¡± I said softly. ¡°Good night, Sienna.¡± Sincerity 131 131 Sienna¡¯s POV I walked slowly down the corridor of the house, now so silent. Each step felt heavy, as if I were leaving something unresolved back in the living room. Liam¡¯s goodnight still echoed in my ears, simple, yetyered with emotions I couldn¡¯t fully decipher. I opened the bedroom door quietly. Sitting at the edge of the bed, I stared at the empty wall and let out a long sigh. My body was tired, yet my mind only grew louder. The coffee I¡¯d had earlier did nothing to calm me. On the contrary, every second I spent in this house made me more aware that I was standing at a great crossroads. I closed my eyes, trying to picture Noah¡¯s face. His sleep was always peaceful, as if the world had no sharp teeth to wound him. Noah was the reason I kept standing, the reason I hadn¡¯t given up. I had promised him earlier that I wouldn¡¯t leave again. That promise was heavy, but sincere. Yet what good is a promise if my own heart was still haunted by doubt? I leaned back against the cold headboard. My left hand rested over my stomach while my right hand fidgeted with the folds of the sheet, as though searching for something solid to hold onto amidst the chaos in my chest. The ticking of the clock was painfully clear, each second reminding me that time was moving on, that I couldn¡¯t keep hiding in this uncertainty. Shadows of the past came and went. Arguments, cold stares, long silences that used to stretch between Liam and me. Those wounds hadn¡¯t fully healed, even if tonight he promised to change. A promise both sweet and dangerous. Hadn¡¯t I heard the same before? I drew in a deep breath, trying to push the thought away. But the more I resisted, the stronger it gripped me. I didn¡¯t want to live bound by the past anymore, yet I couldn¡¯t deny that it was real, that it had once hurt me deeply. My eyes shifted to the small suitcase in the corner of the room. I had packed it half¨Cfull, just in case I needed to leave on short notice. Merely looking at it was enough to tighten my chest. That suitcase felt like the symbol of the uncertainty I still carried: one step could mean staying, another step could mean leaving again. I shut my eyes tighter, and Noah¡¯s face appeared. His innocent smile, his littleugh when he showed off his new bag, or the way his eyes lit up when he said he couldn¡¯t wait to start at his new school. All of it anchored me, keeping my feet from slipping too far. ¡°For Noah.¡± I whispered to myself. The words were soft, but they gave me a little strength. I knew that whatever I chose, Noah had to remain at the center. I couldn¡¯t let my emotions toward Liam cloud my duty as a mother. I rolled onto my side and pulled the nket up to my chin. Yet even wrapped in warmth, my heart stayed cold. I pictured Liam in another room, maybe sitting alone with an empty cup of coffee. Maybe he couldn¡¯t sleep either, maybe he was thinking of ways to make me trust again. Find the newest release on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel That question returned, do I still love him? I bit my lip, holding back the sting of tears. The answer wasn¡¯t as simple as ¡°yes¡± or ¡°no.¡± The love was still there, I felt it every time I saw how he treated Noah, or the way his eyes kept seeking mine even in small moments. But that love was cloaked in fear now, fear it might all be an illusion, fear that the old wounds would split open again, deeper, more painful. 131 I rubbed my face with both hands and finally let the tears fall. Not many, just enough to remind me how tired I was of holding everything in. I wanted to believe, to give Liam a chance, but I also wanted to protect myself. Slowly, drowsiness crept in. My mind was still noisy, but my body surrendered. Half¨Casleep, I whispered a short prayer: ¡°God, give me strength. Don¡¯t let me take the wrong step again.¡± Liam. Just his name was enough to make my chest tremble. I knew he was sincere. The way he looked at me, the way he held my hand earlier, none of it was just empty words. But old wounds never truly vanish. They were still there, and I was terrified that if I took the wrong step, they would reopen, deeper and more unbearable than before. Iy down, eyes fixed on the ceiling. My hand grazed the cool sheet. Longing pulled at me, to share this bed with him again, to feel warmth instead of simply sitting together in the living room. Yet fear shadowed me too, what would happen if I surrendered too quickly to these feelings? I wanted to believe that Liam had truly changed, that he genuinely wanted to fix things. But my mind kept circling back to Emily, to a past that couldn¡¯t simply be erased. Am I strong enough to face it all? Can I endure without losing myself again? My eyes burned, and finally the tears came. Just one or two, but enough to squeeze my chest tight. I wiped them away quickly, as though hiding them, though no one was here, only me and the silence of the night. I turned toward the window. The curtain hung half¨Copen, letting in the dim glow of the streetlight outside. The world beyond moved on as usual, while inside here, I was trapped in a storm no one else could see. I sat up again, pulling my knees to my chest. I longed to open myptop, to write, to pour all of this into words. But even words seemed to betray metely. I couldn¡¯t write when my mind was this crowded. ¡°What am I really looking for?¡± I whispered to myself. A family? I already had that, Noah was the center of my world, and Liam was trying so hard to rebuild this home for us. Love? I never stopped loving Liam, even if I often refused to admit it. Certainty? That was the one thing I still didn¡¯t have. I remembered our conversation earlier, Liam panicked, afraid I would change my mind. I could feel his fear, even without him saying much. And part of me longed to calm him, to reassure him that I wouldn¡¯t leave. But I also knew that if I forced myself to stay here without a heart truly ready, it would be nothing more than lying to myself. Iy back down, pulling the nket up to my chest. The chill I felt wasn¡¯t from the room, it came from the doubts clinging stubbornly to my heart. Sincerity 132 132 Sienna¡¯s POV My ears caught faint sounds from downstairs, maybe Liam was still in the living room, maybe he couldn¡¯t sleep either. A part of me wanted to go down, just to sit with him again, but I held myself back. We needed distance, at least tonight. I exhaled deeply, trying to steady the rhythm of my heart. Tomorrow morning I knew I would have to make a small but important decision, return to the apartment. That would be the beginning of the reflection I had asked for. I would have to be ready to face Noah¡¯s reaction, and Liam¡¯s disappointed gaze. But I also knew that if I stayed here without true certainty, it would only prolong everyone¡¯s suffering. Tears fell again. This time I didn¡¯t wipe them away. I let them flow, soaking into the pillow. ¡°Noah,¡± I whispered softly. ¡°Mommy will always be here for you, sweetheart.¡± I closed my eyes, letting my body sink into weariness. But even as sleep crept in, my heart still churned with turmoil. I didn¡¯t know what tomorrow would bring, but one thing was certain. I couldn¡¯t turn back anymore. This was the road I had chosen, and I had to see it through. *** ¨C I woke slowly as the morning light slipped through the bedroom curtains. For a moment I justy still, trying to ce myself again. Then the aroma of toasted bread and the familiar scent of coffee reached me. A faint smile curved my lips. Liam. With quiet steps, I left the room. In the dining area, I saw him sitting calmly, his shirt crisp, tie perfectly knotted. On the table were two tes of simple breakfast and two steaming cups of coffee. ¡°Morning,¡± he greeted with a smile. ¡°You still look tired. I made coffee.¡± I approached, taking the cup he offered. The warmth spread into my fingers. ¡°Thank you,¡± I murmured, sipping lightly. The aroma soothed me and filled my chest with warmth. I nced toward the stairs. ¡°Is Noah still asleep?¡± I asked. Liam nodded. ¡°Yes. He slept soundlyst night.¡± His voice softened whenever he mentioned Noah, and that alone made me fall silent for a moment. Then his eyes turned more serious. ¡°I¡¯ll take you back to the apartment after this. I¡¯ll head to the office afterward.¡± I shook my head quickly. ¡°No need, Liam. I can go home on my own. Don¡¯t trouble yourself, you must be busy.¡± But his gaze grew firm, gentle, yet unyielding. ¡°I don¡¯t mind. I still want to take you.¡± I drew in a long breath, that familiar warmth and unease stirring in my chest again. Part of me wanted to refuse, to keep some distance so I wouldn¡¯t drown deeper in his small acts of care. Yet another part of me couldn¡¯t say no, because this was who Liam was, always wanting to make sure I was okay. 132 +25 BONUS ¡°Liam.¡± I bit my lip, lowering my gaze to the cup in my hands. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to feel like you have to look after me every second. I can stand on my own.¡± He let out a quiet sigh, then smiled. ¡°I know you can. But let me stay by your side, at least this morning. Let me drive you. That¡¯s all.¡± I fell silent, my heartbeat quickening. There was a sincerity in him that was hard to resist. Finally, I nodded slowly. ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s what you want.¡± His smile widened, and strangely, a faint sense of relief slipped into me, though my heart still brimmed with questions. I set the cup down on the table, the warmth lingering in my palm. A pause hung between us, filled only by the ticking of the wall clock and the aroma of coffee drifting in the air. Liam didn¡¯t say much after that, only looked at me with eyes that were hard to decipher a mix of relief, warmth, and a restlessness he tried to hide. I let out a soft sigh, untangling the knots in my head. ¡°Liam, you know this isn¡¯t about me not needing you. It¡¯s just scary if we rush things.¡± Read full story at FindN()vel He nodded, not offended in the least. ¡°I understand. I don¡¯t want to push you either. I just want you to know that I¡¯m here. Always here.¡± The words were simple, but they made my chest swell painfully. I turned my face away for a moment, afraid he might read too much in my eyes. I wanted to hold back, to keep my distance, but at the same time, part of me longed to give in to the safety he offered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to create false hope,¡± I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. Liam leaned forward slightly, his arms resting on the table. ¡°If I¡¯m honest. I¡¯d rather wait patiently, no matter how long it takes, than be denied the chancepletely. I don¡¯t need certainty right now, Sienna. I just need to know the door isn¡¯tpletely closed to me.¡± I searched his eyes, looking for any trace of falsehood. But all I found was sincerity, every word seeming toe straight from his heart. My lips trembled, and I lowered my gaze again before he could see just how fragile I felt in that moment. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m ready,¡± I whispered, almost as if speaking only to myself. ¡°But you¡¯re here,¡± he replied quickly, his voice gentle yet firm. ¡°That¡¯s enough for me.¡± Silence returned, but this time it no longer felt suffocating. I traced the rim of my cup with my finger, trying to find a way to steady the emotions that were bing harder and harder to contain. Liam then offered a small smile, attempting to lighten the mood. ¡°You know? I can¡¯t even remember thest time we sat like this, just the two of us, without any interruptions.¡± I gave a faint smile in return. ¡°Maybe because we¡¯ve been too busy or too stubborn.¡± He chuckled softly. ¡°Stubborn? That¡¯s definitely me. But don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re no less stubborn.¡± I shook my head, suppressing the smallugh that escaped. A sudden sense of 133 +25 BONUS Sienna¡¯s POV From time to time, I heard birdsong drifting in from outside the window, blending with the steady ticking of the wall clock. Amidst it all, I realized just how easily I could grow used to moments like this. How easy it was to want to believe that all the old wounds could heal simply by sitting together at the dining table, sharing warm coffee, and trading small smiles. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink,¡± Liam¡¯s voice broke through my reverie. I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. ¡°Why do you say that?¡± He gave a faint smile and shrugged. ¡°I can see it in your eyes. You¡¯re thinking about a lot of things.¡± I chuckled softly, trying to hide my nervousness. ¡°Maybe. I¡¯m just not used to it yet.¡± I gripped my cup more tightly, feeling the warmth slowly seep into my palms. I lowered my gaze, as if searching for answers in the cooling coffee surface. ¡°Not used to what?¡± I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Liam looked at me without rushing, as though he wanted to choose each word carefully so they wouldn¡¯t frighten me. ¡°To the simplicity of being together. To sitting without burdens. To me, maybe.¡± I fell silent, then let out a long breath. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m still learning. Learning to ept that maybe things have changed. Learning to trust that moments like this won¡¯t copse at any second.¡± His eyes softened, and I saw a patience there I rarely found before. ¡°It¡¯s okay if it takes time. I¡¯m not here to push you. I just want you to know, you¡¯re not alone.¡± There was something in his tone that made my chest tremble. Not just because of his words, but because I knew he truly meant them. I lowered my gaze again, afraid my eyes would betray the feelings I¡¯d tried so hard to suppress. I tried to lighten the mood. ¡°You¡¯re always so good at reading me. Sometimes it¡¯s annoying, you know?¡± He chuckled quietly, his low voice enough to make me smile too. ¡°Maybe because I¡¯ve known you for too long. Every little movement I can guess what it means.¡± I looked up, pretending to sigh. ¡°That means I have no secrets at all.¡± Liam leaned back, arms crossed, his eyes steady on me. ¡°You¡¯re still full of mystery to me, Sienna. I might read your unease, but I can¡¯t force myself to understand everything. And that¡¯s exactly what makes me want to stay by your side.¡± His words left me silent again. Not because I didn¡¯t know what to say, but because I was afraid that whatever I said would open something I wasn¡¯t ready to face. So I chose to sip my coffee, though it was almost cold, just to give myself an excuse not to look at him for too long. Silence returned between us. But unlike before, this one didn¡¯t suffocate me. There was a warmth in it that felt safe. Every now and then, I stole a nce at him, finding Liam still looking at me with patience, as if he didn¡¯t mind waiting however long it took. 133 +25 BONUS I set my cup down on the table, my finger gently tracing its rim. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said suddenly. His brow arched. ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For not giving up,¡± I answered simply. His eyes glimmered, his smile curved softly, but he said nothing. He only nodded, as though that simple sentence was enough for him. My chest grew warm, this time without the anxiety weighing it down. For a moment, I let myself enjoy it, just sitting together, bathed in the morning light streaming through the window, with a sense of peace that finally felt possible. The sound of small footsteps on the floor made me turn my head. I saw Noah shuffling out of his room, his eyes still heavy with sleep. His hair was a mess, and his tiny hands rubbed at his eyes as he called out softly. ¡°Mommy.¡± I immediately went over and crouched in front of him. ¡°Sweetheart, you¡¯re awake?¡± I asked gently, touching his warm cheek. He nodded slowly, but his expression quickly clouded when he spotted my small bag near the sofa. His eyes widened, his lips pouted. ¡°Mommy, are you leaving?¡± That simple question pierced my chest like a de. I took a breath, then forced the warmest smile I could. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. Mommy¡¯s going to the apartment for a little while. I need to pack up some of my things. But I promise I¡¯ll be back soon, okay?¡± His eyes filled with tears, his little voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you, Mommy, I don¡¯t want you to leave alone.¡± My heart nearly shattered at his words. I pulled his small body into a tight hug, feeling his quick heartbeat against me, fueled by fear of being left. ¡°My love, I know you want toe. But if you go now, you¡¯ll get so tired. We just went out yesterday, remember? You¡¯re still tired, aren¡¯t you? It¡¯s better if you rest here for now. Mommy won¡¯t be long, I promise.¡± ¡°Noah¡¯s scared you won¡¯te back,¡± he murmured against my shoulder. I closed my eyes tightly, struggling to hold back tears. His fear hurt so deeply. Stroking his back gently, I lifted his face so I could look into his eyes. ¡°Listen, sweetheart. I promise I won¡¯t be gone long. I wille back. I will never leave you again, Noah. Believe me, okay?¡± He was silent for a moment, studying me with uncertainty. Finally, he gave a small nod, though his little lips still pouted. ¡°Promise, Mommy?¡± I gave a tender smile and kissed his forehead. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. I promise.¡± 133 Behind me, I could feel Liam¡¯s gaze watching us quietly. I rose slowly, still holding Noah¡¯s hand before finally letting go with a heavy heart. ¡°Noah, wait for Mommy here, okay? y with the nanny for a bit, and then Mommy wille back with something for you,¡± I said, trying to distract him. His eyes brightened a little, though sadness lingered. ¡°y with Lego?¡± I nodded with a smile. ¡°Yes, y with Lego. Mommy won¡¯t be long.¡± Atst, though reluctantly, Noah let go of my hand. I stepped back, looking at his face one more time before turning toward the door with Liam. A heaviness pressed against my chest, as though I was leaving a piece of myself behind. I lingered for a moment at the doorway, ncing back at Noah. He was already sitting on the floor, his little hands busy pulling Lego pieces out of his favorite blue box. Every now and then, he nced my way, making sure I was still there. A small smile curved on his lips when I waved at him, a tiny gesture to show I truly woulde back. ¡°Noah, let¡¯s build a tower really tall,¡± the nanny said gently as she helped stack the blocks. He nodded, his face lighting up again. ¡°Yes! A tower so tall it almost touches the sky!¡± he said excitedly, his hands working quickly to stack the colorful blocks. I held my breath, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall again. Seeing him smile, even after nearly breaking into tears just moments ago, made me realize how strong Noah really was. That little boy had learned far too quickly how to deal with feelings of loss, something he should never have had to learn at his tender age. Liam stood quietly beside me, saying nothing. But I could feel the weight of his gaze, just as heavy as mine. There was both sorrow and admiration in his eyes as he watched Noah. As if he, too, understood that this child was more than just a child; he was the very reason why we were still trying to hold on amidst all the cracks. ¡°Noah is so brave,¡± I whispered, my voice trembling slightly. The boy looked up for a moment, his smile widening. ¡°Mommy, see? My tower is strong, it won¡¯t fall easily.¡± I smiled, nodding with conviction. ¡°Yes, sweetheart. I see. That tower is strong, just like you.¡± X Latest content published on Find~Novel Sincerity 137 134 Sienna¡¯s POV My words made him giggle softly, though he quickly bent back down, busy stacking the blocks again. Pride. shone on his little face, as if he wanted to prove to the world that he truly could be that strong. The nanny looked at me, nodding politely. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ma¡¯am. Noah will be fine. I¡¯ll stay with him until you return.¡± I returned the nod, though my heart still resisted moving away. Every second in that room felt precious, like small fragments I would one day hold onto as memories. Liam gently touched my arm, a signal that it was time to go. I turned to him, then looked back at Noah. He was already lost in his y, stacking Legos higher and higher, humming softly to himself. ¡°Mommy loves you, Noah,¡± I whispered before finally turning away. This text is hosted at find{n}ovel ¡°I love you too, Mommy,¡± he replied quickly, without looking up. Simple words, yet they pierced straight through to the deepest part of me. As the door closed softly, I could still hear Noah¡¯s little voice calling faintly, ¡°Come back soon, Mommy.¡± I lowered my head, holding my breath for a moment, then walked beside Liam. In my heart, I promised myself once more, I really woulde back. For Noah. For this family. ¡°Ready?¡± Liam¡¯s voice cut through my thoughts. I looked at him briefly, then nodded. ¡°Ready.¡± We walked slowly toward the yard. The morning air brushed gently against my skin, the pale blue sky streaked with thin drifting clouds. Liam¡¯s car was parked there, and I felt my heartbeat quicken when he opened the door for me. ¡°I can go home by myself, Liam. You should stay with Noah,¡± I murmured. He gave a small smile, his eyes warm. ¡°I know. But I want to do this. Noah¡¯s already used to the nanny.¡± I couldn¡¯t say anything in response, just stepped inside and sat in the passenger seat. When the door closed, the familiar scent of the car mixed with the soft trace of his cologne, making it even harder to keep my emotional distance. The car rolled slowly out of the yard. The streets were still quiet, with only a few vehicles passing by. I kept my gaze fixed outside the window, trying to focus on the scenery instead of the silence that filled the car. The ride was steady, the smooth hum of the engine and the faint sound of music from the radio filling the quiet space between us. I still stared outside, watching trees rush past, houses fade into the distance, and the afternoon sunlight reflecting off window ss. ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet the whole time,¡± Liam finally said, his voice soft but clear. I nced at him briefly, then quickly turned my eyes back to the road. ¡°I¡¯m just tired.¡± 754 He shot me a sidelong look, then gave a faint smile, ¡°Tired, or avoiding?¡± I frowned slightly, trying to hide the unease that suddenly welled up. ¡°Avoiding what?¡± I asked quickly, almost defensively. Liam didn¡¯t answer right away. He exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel in time with the music. ¡°You¡¯re still hesitant, aren¡¯t you? About me, about us.¡± My heart leapt into my throat. I opened my mouth, wanting to deny it, but the words felt too heavy. ¡°I¡¯m just not used to it yet,¡± I finally whispered. ¡°Not used to having someone who cares? Or not used to believing that you deserve to be loved?¡± His question was gentle, without pressure, but that was exactly what made my chest tighten. I stayed silent, staring at my hands clutching the bag on myp. His words struck directly at the most fragile ce inside me. The car paused briefly at a red light. I could feel his gaze, but I didn¡¯t dare look back. ¡°I don¡¯t want to make you feel forced, Sienna,¡± he continued, his voice even softer this time. ¡°I just want you to know I¡¯m not here out of pity. I¡¯m here because I truly want to be by your side.¡± I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my ragged breathing. How desperately I wanted to believe him, but the shadows of the past always seemed toe back and haunt me. The light turned green. The car moved forward again. I forced myself to nce at him, catching his face, serious yet calm. There was something in his gaze, a sincerity I had rarely found in my life. ¡°Liam,¡± My voice nearly broke. I wanted to continue, but I didn¡¯t know where to start. He only gave a faint smile before turning back to the road. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t talk now. I can wait. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡® Silence filled the space between us again, but this time it felt different. Not awkward, but warm, as if his words had be a fragile bridge slowly connecting the gap between us. ¡°How long do you think you¡¯ll be staying at the apartment?¡± Liam¡¯s voice made me turn to him. I thought for a moment before answering. ¡°I don¡¯t know for sure. Maybe a few days. Maybe a week. ¨ª just need time to sort out my thoughts.¡± He nodded, though I could sense tension behind his calm expression. ¡°During that time, may I still reach out to you?¡± I turned to him, a little surprised by the question. ¡°Of course, Liam. You¡¯re Noah¡¯s father. And¡­¡± I hesitated for a moment, lowering my gaze. ¡°¡­and you¡¯re also part of my life.¡± The words slipped out without nning. I could feel my face heat up, but I didn¡¯t regret saying them. Liam¡¯s smile bloomed, this time warmer, more genuine. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said softly. I quickly turned toward the window again, hiding the expression I couldn¡¯t control. The scenery of tall buildings 134 shifted as we drew closer to the city center. People crowded the sidewalks, the morning rush resuming its rhythm. ¡°What about Noah?¡± I asked, breaking the silence. ¡°I¡¯ll exin it gently. I don¡¯t want him to feel like you left him. I¡¯ll tell him Mommy just went home for a while to take care of something.¡± I nodded in relief. ¡°Thank you, Liam. That matters. I don¡¯t want him to feel like I left him again.¡± He nced at me, his eyes soft. ¡°I know. And I promise, I¡¯ll always be there for him. And for you, if you¡¯ll let me.¡± My heart trembled again at his words. I wanted to answer, but my lips froze. Part of me wanted to say yes, I¡¯ll allow it, I need it, but another part held me back. I stayed silent, letting his words linger in the air. The car kept moving, merging into busier streets. I leaned my head against the window, letting the cool ss soothe my thoughts. Closing my eyes briefly, I steadied my breathing. When I opened them again, my apartment building was already visible in the distance. A strange pull stirred within me, relief at returning to my own space, yet sadness knowing it meant leaving behind the warmth I¡¯d just felt at Liam¡¯s home. ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± I whispered. Liam only nodded, his expression calm though his eyes held something unspoken. The car turned into the parking area and stopped right at the entrance to my apartment. He turned off the engine and looked at me. ¡°I¡¯ll help carry your things upstairs.¡± I shook my head quickly. ¡°No need. I can handle it myself. Besides, you have to get to work.¡± He studied me for a moment, then gave a faint smile. ¡°Alright. But if you need anything call me.¡± I nodded softly, meeting his gaze for a second before opening the door. ¡°Thank you, Liam. For everything.¡± I stepped out, and before closing the door, I saw him still watching me, as if unwilling to let go. There was something in that look, fear, longing, and hope all at once. I shut the door gently, lowered my head, and walked into the apartment lobby. But my heart was still left behind in that car, with Liam. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!