The truth I told his mother
The next morning, I brought Julia her breakfast tray like always.
She looked surprised. “I thought Eric would help today. Give you a break.”
“He had other plans last night,” I said gently.
I sat on her bed.
“Julia, your son is seeing someone else.”
Her face collapsed in slow motion.
“I’m leaving,” I continued. “With the kids.”
She whispered, “Is this because of me?”
“No. It’s because I can’t disappear anymore.”
I told her I’d found a care facility — peaceful, safe, staffed. I’d paid the first month myself. After that, Eric would be responsible.
