I was at Bella's house with our three kids and me. It was a temporary arrangement, but the statement was clear.
"I can't watch him choose everything else over us. Not after everything we've been through." I told Bella.
She was supportive and understanding. "You're doing the right thing to set firm boundaries. He needs this wake-up call."
Rose was confused, asking innocently. "Mama, why aren't we home? Where's Daddy?"
"Daddy's working, baby. We're just visiting Aunt Bella for a little while."
Hector was perceptive as always. "They're fighting like before. Adults always fight eventually."
"Not fighting, sweetheart. Just... needing some space. To think clearly."
Tony called repeatedly and frantically.
"Come home. This is ridiculous, and you are completely overreacting."
"It's not overreaction. You missed Thomas's birthday. OUR SON'S SECOND BIRTHDAY."
"I apologized for that. Work ran unexpectedly late-"
