Duncan slapped me so hard my head snapped sideways. At thirty-eight weeks pregnant, I crashed into a dining chair and hit the floor with one arm around my belly.
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Chapter 25 / 27
Chapter 25 - WHEN THE BABY WALKED
My child took their first independent steps between Dad and me.
Eleven months old.
Dad sat on the rug.
I sat four feet away.
The baby stood.
Wobbled.
Looked offended by gravity.
Dad whispered:
“Come here.”
I said:
“No pressure.”
He whispered:
“I’m inviting.”
“Your face looks like a hostage negotiation.”
The baby took one step.
Then another.
Then fell into my knees.
Dad shouted.
The baby cried because Dad shouted.
I glared.
He apologized to the baby.
Ridiculous.
Perfect.
Later that evening, I received the final divorce decree.
Signed.
Property settled.
Support resolved.
Parenting jurisdiction retained.
Marriage ended.
I read it once.
No champagne.
No funeral.
I put it in a file.
May you like
Then fed my child pasta.
Closure came while wiping sauce off a high chair.
