loosely on him. In just a few days, he seemed to have aged a decade. His eyes were hollow. They were filled only with exhaustion and sorrow.
He mumbled, “In our past life, I caused your death. In this one, I almost sent you to prison. You risked everything to save my children, and I treated you like a criminal.”
He continued, “After you died last time, I found out that Sasha was still alive. She had moved on to a wealthier man, just like before.
“When she came back this time, I fooled myself into believing things could be different. I thought maybe if I stayed with her, she wouldn’t leave me for someone else again.
“But she… she took out a massive insurance policy on the kids. Last time, she found a rich man and abandoned the idea. This
time, she went through with it. She hurt her own children for money.” 1
His voice cracked with guilt and regret as he muttered, “Caroline, you have every reason to hate me.”
I gazed at him as memories from both lives flashed before me. I shook my head slowly and replied, “I did hate you. But not anymore.”
He looked at me with a mixture of confusion and relief. He whispered, “You’re stronger than I’ll ever be. Do you think we could… ever try again?”
I did not answer. Instead, I handed him a document. Emery glanced at the divorce papers, and then gave a bitter smile. He signed them without hesitation.
“This is the least I can do for you,” he said softly.
I took the papers and turned to leave. As I walked away, I heard him break down in tears behind me.
Lying beside him was the stuffed bear I had left behind–Luna’s favorite. On the night she had a high fever, Emery refused to come home from Sasha’s place. So, I had made up a story to comfort the children.
Chapter 9
+15 BONUS
“Daddy’s turned into a teddy bear to keep you company,” I had told them. “If you want to talk to him, just tell the bear.”
With wide, innocent eyes, Luna whispered, “Daddy, don’t worry about me. I was good and drank all my medicine. You don’t have to stay inside the bear. You can come out now. I’m not scared!”
Liam echoed her softly, “Daddy… we miss you.”
Now Emery cried for them. Was it regret, guilt, or the wish for a second chance? Nonetheless, I did not care anymore.
Eventually, I moved on to a new home, a new job, and a new life.
One day, I received a call from the police. The officer said, “Ms. Sawyer, good evening. We found a man who froze to death overnight at a cemetery.
“He was heavily intoxicated. We traced his records and found that you were listed as his emergency contact.”
I exhaled slowly. “I used to be, but not anymore. Please proceed with your standard protocols.”
“Understood. Sorry to disturb you.‘
11
After hanging up, I looked toward the sky and whispered a quiet prayer. I asked the universe to send kindness to those who tru needed it.
