The Story I Couldn’t See Back Then

With time — and a lot of breath, reflection, and humility — something softened.

I wouldn’t choose that decision again.
I wouldn’t pretend it didn’t hurt.

But today, I can imagine the pain and fear that might have led her there:

• Fear of time away from the kids

• Fear of my closeness with them

• Fear of losing her sense of family

• Fear of not being with them every day

• Fear of change

• Fear of hurt

I don’t know her exact reasons — we haven’t had that conversation yet — but when I imagine her tenderness, her longing, her fear, something shifts inside me.

I no longer need her to be the villain.
I no longer need to be the victim.

Instead, I can hold both of our longings in the same space.
Both heartbreaks.
Both fears.

And in that balance, I’ve found something remarkably close to peace — even if only energetically.