The harsh buzz of Lena’s phone cut through the darkness, jolting her awake. She fumbled for the device, squinting at the sudden glare of the screen. 3:17 AM. Michael’s name flashed, accompanied by a text:
Hey, need to discuss kids’ summer plans. Can we meet tomorrow? Urgent.
Lena groaned, letting her arm flop back onto the bed. The glowing numbers of her alarm clock taunted her: 3:18 AM now. She had to be up in less than three hours to get the kids ready for school.
“Summer plans,” she muttered into her pillow. “At this hour?”
When her alarm finally blared at 6:00 AM, Lena had already been staring at the ceiling for the better part of an hour. The hardwood floor creaked under her feet as she padded to the kitchen. The coffee maker gurgled to life, filling the air with its rich aroma.
“Mom?”
Emma’s voice made her jump. Coffee sloshed over the rim of the mug, spattering on the floor.
“Honey, you startled me,” Lena said, reaching for a paper towel.
Emma, still in her pajamas, hair mussed from sleep, sidled up to Lena and wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist. “Can I help with breakfast?”
Lena stroked Emma’s hair, noticing the dark circles under her daughter’s eyes. “Sure, sweetie. Why don’t you get the eggs while I wake your brother?”
As Lena climbed the stairs, she heard a crash from Jake’s room, followed by muffled cursing that no 10-year-old should know.
She knocked on the door. “Jake? Everything okay in there?”
“Go away!” came the surly reply.
Lena pushed the door open to find Jake’s room in disarray, his school backpack upended on the floor. Jake stood in the middle of the chaos, face red with frustration.
“I can’t find my stupid math homework,” he growled, kicking at a pile of papers.
“Hey, hey,” Lena said, stepping carefully into the room. “Let’s calm down and look for it together, okay?”
Jake’s glare could have melted steel. “If Dad were here, he’d know where it is. He always helped me with math.”
Lena felt the words like a physical blow, but kept her voice steady. “I know you miss your dad, Jake. But right now, we need to find that homework. Come on, I’ll help you look.”
Twenty minutes and one tearful meltdown later, they found the crumpled math worksheet under Jake’s bed. As they headed downstairs, Emma met them at the bottom, her eyes wide with concern.
“Is everything okay?” she asked, reaching for Lena’s hand.
“Everything’s fine, Em,” Lena assured her, squeezing her daughter’s fingers. “Let’s have some breakfast, okay?”
The morning passed in a blur of half-eaten toast and forgotten permission slips. As Lena herded the kids into the car, Jake slumped in the backseat, arms crossed, while Emma insisted on sitting up front, her head resting on Lena’s arm.
At the school drop-off, Emma clung to Lena, reluctant to leave. “You’ll be here to pick us up, right, Mom? You promise?”
“Of course, sweetie,” Lena said, gently disentangling herself. “I’ll be right here at 3:15, just like always.”
Jake stormed off without a backward glance, leaving Lena staring after him, her heart heavy.
At work, Lena stared at her computer screen, the quarterly report she was supposed to be reviewing nothing more than a jumble of meaningless numbers. Her coworker, Jen, poked her head into Lena’s cubicle.
“Earth to Lena,” Jen said, waving a hand in front of Lena’s face. “You okay? You’ve been staring at that same page for like, an hour.”
Lena blinked, coming back to herself. “Yeah, sorry. Just… distracted.”
Jen’s eyes softened with sympathy. “Michael stuff?”
Lena nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“Want to grab an early lunch? Talk about it?”
“Thanks, but I can’t,” Lena said, glancing at the clock. 11:45 AM. “I’m actually meeting Michael for lunch.”
Jen raised an eyebrow. “Oh sure! What could go wrong? Text me if you need an emergency extraction, okay?”
As Lena walked into Rosie’s Diner at 12:28, the bell above the door announced her arrival with a cheerful jingle that felt at odds with the knot in her stomach. She spotted Michael in a booth near the back, his leg jiggling nervously under the table.
Lena paused, frowning. In all their years together, she’d never seen Michael fidget like that. He was always the calm one, annoyingly so at times. As she approached, she noticed more: his fingernails were bitten to the quick, and dark circles shadowed his eyes.
“Hey,” she said, sliding into the seat across from him.
Michael’s head snapped up, as if he hadn’t noticed her approach. His attempt at a smile looked more like a grimace. “Lena, thanks for coming.”
Up close, Lena could see a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead. Her stomach tightened. Whatever this was about, it wasn’t summer plans.
“So,” she began, trying to keep her voice casual, “what’s so urgent about—”
Michael’s hand shot out, grabbing the laminated menu. “Let’s order first. You must be hungry. I hear the club sandwich is good.”
Lena blinked, taken aback. In ten years of marriage, she’d never once heard Michael recommend a club sandwich. He hated mayonnaise.
“I’m not really hungry,” she said slowly, studying his face. His eyes darted around the diner, never quite meeting hers. “Michael, what’s going on? You’re acting… strange.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but the waitress chose that moment to appear at their table.
“What can I get for you folks?” she asked, pen poised over her notepad.
“Just coffee for me, thanks,” Lena said, not taking her eyes off Michael.
“Water,” Michael mumbled, his voice barely audible.
As the waitress walked away, Lena leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Okay, enough. You didn’t drag me here in the middle of my workday to discuss summer camps or order sandwiches you don’t even like. What’s really going on?”
Michael’s leg stopped jiggling abruptly. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture so familiar it made Lena’s chest ache. When he finally met her gaze, the fear in his eyes made her breath catch.
“Lena,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “there’s a problem. A big one.”
The cheerful clatter of dishes and murmur of conversation around them suddenly felt distant and unreal. Lena’s pulse quickened as she braced herself for whatever bombshell Michael was about to drop.
“What kind of problem?” she asked, her own suspicious voice sounding strange to her ears.
Michael glanced over his shoulder, then leaned in closer. “Not here. It’s not… it’s not safe.”
A chill ran down Lena’s spine. Not safe? In Rosie’s Diner, with its checkered tablecloths and faded ’50s memorabilia?
“Michael,” she said, fighting to keep her voice steady, “you’re scaring me. Just tell me what’s going on.”
He shook his head, eyes pleading. “I will. But not here. Can we go for a walk?”
Lena hesitated. Every instinct screamed that something was terribly wrong. But the desperation in Michael’s face…
“Okay,” she said finally. “A walk. But then you tell me everything.”
As they stood to leave, Lena caught sight of their reflection in the diner’s window. She barely recognized the worried woman staring back at her, or the haunted-looking man beside her.
They walked in tense silence for a few blocks, ending up in a small, nondescript park. Michael led them to a bench partially obscured by overgrown shrubs. As they sat, Lena noticed his hands were shaking.
“Michael, please,” she said softly. “What’s going on?”
He took a deep breath. “It’s GlobeTech. They’re… I think they may be involved in something illegal.”
“What kind of illegal?”
Michael shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe money laundering or something like that.”
Lena felt the blood drain from her face. “And you’re involved?”
“No!” Michael said quickly. “At least, I don’t think so. But you know how I have access to a lot of sensitive information? Well, the FBI approached me last week. They want me to be an informant.”
Lena’s mind reeled. “The FBI? Michael, this is… this is insane. What does this mean for us? For the kids?”
Michael’s voice broke. “I don’t know. The people behind this… If they find out I’m cooperating…” He trailed off, the implication hanging heavy in the air.
Lena’s protective instincts flared. Her voice hardened. “We need to talk to these FBI agents. Now. And you better believe I’m going to have some questions for them.”
Michael nodded, pulling out his phone with trembling hands. “I’ll call the agent in charge.”
Twenty minutes later, a nondescript sedan pulled up to the curb near their bench. Two people stepped out – a tall, athletic woman with close-cropped grey hair, and a younger man with a neatly trimmed beard.
As they approached, the woman spoke in a low, authoritative voice. “Mr. and Mrs. Thompson? I’m Special Agent Cara Dawson, and this is my partner, Special Agent James Chen. Thank you for reaching out.”
Lena stood, her posture tense and defensive. “I want to know exactly what’s going on and what kind of danger my family is in. And I want real answers, not vague assurances.”
Agent Dawson’s eyes darted around the park. “Not here. Let’s find somewhere more private we can talk.”
They ended up at a small coffee shop a few blocks away. As they settled into a corner booth, Agent Chen casually scanned the room before sitting with his back to the wall, a clear view of the entrance.
Agent Dawson leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mrs. Thompson, I understand this must be overwhelming. Your husband has stumbled onto something big – a multi-million dollar fraud and money laundering operation run by top executives at GlobeTech.”
Lena’s gaze flicked to Michael, who looked like he might be sick. She turned back to the agents, her eyes narrowed. “He’s my ex-husband. And you want him to be your informant? To risk his life? Our children’s lives?”
Agent Chen spoke up, his tone gentle but firm. “Sorry, yes. We understand your concerns, Mrs. Thompson. But your ex-husband’s cooperation could be crucial in bringing down a criminal enterprise that’s hurting a lot of people.”
“I don’t care about other people right now,” Lena snapped. “I care about my kids. What kind of protection can you actually offer them? And don’t give me platitudes about taking it seriously.”
Agent Dawson’s expression hardened slightly at Lena’s tone, but she replied evenly. “We can offer round-the-clock surveillance, panic buttons, emergency protocols. In extreme cases, we have the option of temporary relocation under assumed identities.”
Lena leaned forward, her voice low and intense. “And how effective is all that? Be honest with me. Have you ever had informants or their families hurt despite these measures?”
The agents exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. Agent Chen sighed. “It’s rare, but… yes, it has happened.”
Lena felt her heart rate spike. “Then how can you possibly ask us to do this? To put our children at risk?”
Agent Dawson leaned in. “Mrs. Thompson…”
“Call me Lena.”
“Right… Lena,” she amended. “I won’t sugarcoat this. The individuals involved in this case are dangerous. Whether or not Michael cooperates, there’s a risk they might try to use you or your children as leverage. Our protection is the safest option.”
“Safer than walking away?” Lena challenged.
“At this point?” Agent Chen said softly. “Yes. These people know your husband has sensitive information. Cooperating with us gives you the best chance at long-term safety.”
Lena closed her eyes, feeling trapped. When she opened them, her gaze was steely. “Fine. But my children do not get involved in this. No briefings, no panic buttons, no protocols. As far as they’re concerned, nothing has changed.”
Agent Dawson started to protest, but Lena cut her off. “No. They’re children. I won’t have them living in fear. Michael and I will handle the security measures, but Emma and Jake stay out of this. Is that clear?”
The agents shared another look before Agent Dawson nodded reluctantly. “We strongly advise against it, but… it’s your decision.”
“Damn right it is,” Lena said firmly.
Over the next hour, they hashed out the details of the protection plan. Lena insisted on vetting every measure, demanding to know the potential risks and failure points of each.
As they left the coffee shop, Agent Chen handed Lena a small device. “This is a secure communication unit. Use it to contact us if you notice anything suspicious or feel threatened in any way. Day or night, we’ll respond immediately.”
Lena took the device, its weight in her hand a grim reminder of their new reality. “And what’s the response time? How quickly can you actually reach us if something happens?”
“In this area? Five minutes, tops,” Agent Chen assured her.
Lena nodded, tucking the device into her purse. “It better be.”
As Lena pulled into the school parking lot, her eyes scanned the area, looking for… what? Suspicious cars? Men in dark suits? She shook her head, trying to clear the paranoid thoughts.
Emma burst out of the school doors, practically running to the car. She flung herself into the front seat, immediately grabbing Lena’s hand. “You’re here! I missed you.”
“Of course I’m here, sweetie,” Lena said, squeezing Emma’s hand. “I promised, didn’t I?”
Jake trudged to the car, his face stormy. He climbed into the back seat, slamming the door harder than necessary.
“How was your day?” Lena asked, trying to keep her voice light.
“Fine,” Jake muttered, staring out the window.
As they drove home, Emma chattered about her day, her head never leaving Lena’s arm. Jake remained silent, his reflection in the rearview mirror showing a scowl that seemed permanently etched on his face.
At home, Emma followed Lena from room to room as she prepared dinner, while Jake retreated to his room, the door closing with a definitive thud.
Later that night, after checking on the sleeping kids for the third time, Lena sat on her back porch, staring at the stars. The quiet of the night was occasionally broken by the soft rustle of leaves or a distant car engine. She wondered if one of those sounds might be the FBI agents now watching over them.
As she stood to go inside, a flicker of movement caught her eye. In the shadows across the street, she glimpsed a figure – Agent Chen, she realized after a moment. He nodded once in her direction before melting back into the darkness.
Lena locked the door behind her, double-checking it out of newly formed habit. As she climbed the stairs, she paused outside Emma’s room, hearing soft music playing inside. Her hand hovered over the doorknob. For a moment, she was tempted to go in, to hold her daughter close and never let go.
But no. Emma was safe in her normal world, unaware of the dangers swirling around them. And Lena was determined to keep it that way for as long as possible.
In her own room, Lena lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep seemed impossible. Her mind raced with all the changes and challenges ahead. She needed help, someone to talk to who wasn’t embroiled in this mess.
Reaching for her phone, she scrolled through her contacts, pausing at a number her friend Sarah had given her weeks ago. Positivity Partners. It had seemed silly at the time, but now…
With trembling fingers, Lena dialed the number.
“Welcome to Positivity Partners,” a warm voice answered. “How can we help you today?”
Lena took a deep breath. “I… I think I need help finding my way. And staying strong for my family.”
The next morning, Lena sat at her desk, nervously adjusting her webcam. Her first session with her Certified Positivity Partner was about to begin. The computer chimed, and a friendly face appeared on the screen.
“Good morning, Lena! I’m Alex. How are you feeling today?”
Lena hesitated, her eyes darting to the door to make sure the kids weren’t within earshot. “Um, honestly? Terrible. On a scale of 1 to 10, maybe a 2.”
Alex nodded sympathetically. “That’s okay. We all have our low points. What’s going on?”
Lena took a deep breath. “It’s… complicated. My ex-husband is involved in some legal troubles. I can’t go into details, but it’s putting a lot of stress on our family. I’m worried about my kids, about our safety…” She trailed off, realizing how paranoid she must sound.
Alex, however, didn’t seem fazed. “That sounds incredibly stressful. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in a situation like that. Let’s start by focusing on what you can control. What’s your biggest concern right now?”
“Keeping things normal for my kids,” Lena said without hesitation. “I don’t want them to know how serious this is. I want them to feel safe and happy.”
“That’s a wonderful goal,” Alex said warmly. “Let’s brainstorm some ways you can create moments of normalcy and joy for your children, even in the midst of this stress.”
Over the next few weeks, Lena threw herself into creating a sense of normalcy for her children. She instituted “Fun Fridays,” where they would have a special dinner and game night. But the first attempt didn’t go as planned.
“I don’t want stupid pizza,” Jake muttered, pushing his plate away. “Dad always made homemade pizza on Fridays.”
Emma, sensing the tension, pressed closer to Lena on the couch. “It’s okay, Mom. I like this pizza.”
Lena forced a smile. “How about we play a game? Jake, you can pick.”
Jake’s eyes flashed. “I pick not playing.” He stormed off to his room, slamming the door.
Emma flinched at the sound, her grip on Lena’s arm tightening. “Why is Jake so angry all the time?”
Lena stroked Emma’s hair. “He’s just having a hard time, sweetie. We all are. But we’ll get through it together.”
One afternoon, as Lena picked up the kids from school, she noticed a black SUV that seemed to be following them. Her heart raced, remembering the FBI’s warnings about potential threats. She took a series of random turns, trying to lose the tail, all while maintaining a calm facade for Emma and Jake.
“Mom, where are we going?” Emma asked from the backseat, a note of panic in her voice.
Lena forced a smile, meeting her daughter’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “Oh, I thought we’d take the scenic route home today. Isn’t it a beautiful day?”
Jake scoffed from the back seat. “You’re acting weird. Is this because of Dad?”
Lena’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “Everything’s fine, Jake. Just enjoying the drive.”
“Yeah, right.” Jake muttered unconvincingly.
When they finally arrived home, Lena ushered the kids inside, her hand brushing against the panic button in her pocket. “Why don’t you two start on your homework? I’ll bring some snacks in a minute.”
As soon as the kids were out of sight, Lena pressed the button. Within minutes, Agent Chen appeared at her back door, his expression tense.
“Lena? What’s wrong?”
Lena explained about the SUV, her voice low and urgent. Agent Chen nodded, already typing on his phone.
“We’ll check it out immediately. It’s probably nothing, but you did the right thing by calling us.”
After he left, Lena leaned against the kitchen counter, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. She jumped when Emma’s voice came from the doorway.
“Mom? Are you okay? Who was that man?”
Lena turned, plastering on a smile. “Just a neighbor, sweetie. Everything’s fine. How about those snacks?”
Emma’s eyes narrowed, doubt clear on her face, but she didn’t press further.
That night, during her session with Alex, Lena struggled to maintain her composure.
“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” she admitted, her voice cracking. “I’m constantly terrified, but I can’t show it. I have to be strong for them.”
Alex’s voice was gentle but firm. “Lena, being strong doesn’t mean never showing fear or vulnerability. It means facing those fears and moving forward anyway. Your children are perceptive. They might sense that something is off, even if they don’t know the details.”
Lena hesitated. “I don’t want to burden them.”
“You don’t have to share everything,” Alex suggested. “But acknowledging that you’re going through a tough time and showing them how you’re coping could actually be beneficial for them. It teaches resilience.”
The next day, Lena sat down with Emma and Jake after dinner. “Hey, guys,” she began, her heart pounding. “I want to talk to you about something.”
Emma looked at her expectantly. Jake scowled.
Lena took a deep breath. “You know how sometimes grown-ups have complicated problems?” They nodded. “Well, right now, Dad and I are dealing with some tough stuff. I can’t tell you all the details, but I want you to know that we’re working on it, and that no matter what, keeping you safe and happy is our top priority.”
Emma’s brow furrowed. “Is that why you’ve been acting weird lately?”
Lena felt a pang of guilt. “You noticed that, huh? Yeah, that’s part of it. But I’m working on handling the stress better. In fact, I’ve started talking to someone who’s helping me with that.”
Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Like a shrink? Does he think we’re crazy or something?”
“No, buddy, not at all,” Lena said softly. “Sometimes, when life gets really tough, it helps to talk to someone who can give you tools to cope better.”
Jake pushed back from the table. “This is stupid. If Dad were here, we wouldn’t need any of this.”
As he stormed off, Emma moved to Lena’s side, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist. “I think it’s good you’re getting help, Mom. Can… can I maybe talk to someone too?”
Lena hugged Emma close, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. “Of course, sweetie. We’ll find someone for you to talk to.”
As weeks turned into months, Lena found herself adapting to their new normal. Her sessions with Alex helped her develop resilience she never knew she had. She learned to find moments of joy and peace even in the midst of uncertainty.
One afternoon, as they were coloring together, Jake looked up at Lena. “Mom, are we in witness protection? Like in the movies?”
Lena nearly dropped her crayon. “Where did you hear about that?”
Jake shrugged. “Emma and I googled it on the hotel computer. It sounds like what’s happening to us.”
Lena closed her eyes briefly, cursing herself for not considering that the kids would try to find answers on their own. When she opened them, she found both Emma and Jake watching her intently.
“It’s… similar to that,” she said carefully. “But it’s temporary. And it’s to keep us all safe while Dad helps some important people solve a big problem.”
Jake’s face contorted with anger. “So it is Dad’s fault! He’s the reason we can’t go home, why we have to hide all the time!”
“No, Jake, that’s not—” Lena started, but Jake was already on his feet.
“I hate this! I hate Dad, and I hate you for letting this happen!” He kicked over the coffee table, sending crayons and paper flying, then ran to his room.
Emma burst into tears, clinging to Lena. “I’m scared, Mom. I don’t want to be in witness protection. I want to go home.”
Lena held Emma close, her own tears falling. “Oh, sweetheart. We’re not really in witness protection. We’re just being extra careful for a while. And we will go home, I promise. We just have to be brave a little longer.”
Later that night, after the kids were asleep, Lena sat on the porch, staring at the stars. She sent a text to Alex:
Tough day. I think I opened a can of worms with the kids. Need help navigating this.
The harsh buzz of Lena’s secure phone cut through the quiet of the safe house. She glanced at the clock – 5:53 AM – before answering.
“Lena? It’s Agent Dawson. Turn on your TV. Channel 7.”
Lena fumbled for the remote, her heart racing. The screen flickered to life, showing a live news broadcast. The ticker at the bottom read: “BREAKING: TOP EXECUTIVE ARRESTS AT GLOBALTECH”
The reporter’s voice filled the room: “In a series of coordinated raids across three continents, law enforcement agencies have arrested over two dozen individuals connected to what authorities are calling ‘one of the largest illegal arms operations in history.’ The multinational corporation GlobeTech is at the center of these allegations…”
A soft gasp behind her made Lena turn. Emma stood in the doorway, eyes wide.
“Mom? Is that…?”
Lena nodded, holding out her arm. Emma rushed into her embrace as Jake stumbled in, rubbing his eyes.
“What’s happening?” he mumbled.
Lena pulled him close too. “Remember how we said Dad was helping stop some bad people? Well, he just helped stop a lot of them.”
Jake’s eyes widened, a mix of pride and confusion crossing his face. “Dad did that?”
As the news continued, detailing the scope of the operation and the charges filed, Lena’s phone buzzed again. A text from Michael:
It’s starting. I love you all.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind. Lena watched on TV as Michael was escorted inside a courthouse by a phalanx of security personnel, his face plastered across every news channel.
At home, Emma and Jake peppered her with questions.
“Does this mean we can go home now?” Jake asked over breakfast, spoon hovering over his cereal.
Emma, ever perceptive, cut in before Lena could answer. “It’s not that simple, is it, Mom? Dad still has to testify and stuff, right?”
Lena nodded, grateful for her daughter’s understanding. “That’s right, honey. We’re a lot safer now, but it’s not over yet.”
As if on cue, a gentle tap came at the kitchen door. Agent Chen waited there for her. “We’ve got the secure video link set up for Michael’s call.”
The family huddled around the computer screen, Jake and Emma drinking in the sight of Michael. He looked tired but determined.
“Dad!” Jake exclaimed, his earlier resentment momentarily forgotten. “Are the bad guys in jail now?”
Michael smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Some of them are, buddy. But there’s still work to do. I have to tell the judge and jury everything I know.”
“Are you scared?” Emma asked quietly.
Michael’s expression softened. “A little. But knowing you’re all safe makes me brave.”
After the call, Lena found Emma in her room, scribbling furiously in a notebook.
“What’s that, sweetie?”
Emma looked up, a spark in her eye that Lena hadn’t seen in months. “I’m keeping a record. Of everything that’s happening. Maybe… maybe someday I can write about it. Help other kids whose parents are doing important, dangerous stuff.”
Lena felt a lump in her throat. “That’s… that’s really great, Em.”
As summer turned to fall, their lives settled into a new rhythm. The kids returned to school, now with less obvious security. Lena started working remotely, grateful for the distraction.
That evening, during Michael’s weekly video call, he shared the news they’d been waiting for.
“The plea deals are rolling in,” he said, excitement breaking through his usual cautious demeanor. “Some of the lower-level guys are turning on the big fish. The prosecutors think we might avoid a drawn-out trial.”
Lena felt a mix of relief and resentment wash over her. “So, what does this mean for us? For the kids?”
Michael’s smile faded slightly, picking up on her tone. “It means… it means you might be able to go home soon. Back to your normal lives.”
Lena couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped her. “Normal? Michael, do you really think anything will ever be normal again after this?”
He flinched, guilt flashing across his face. “Lena, I—”
“No,” she cut him off, lowering her voice so the kids wouldn’t hear. “I know you didn’t ask for this. I know you’re doing the right thing. But God, Michael, do you have any idea what this has been like for us? For your children?”
Michael’s shoulders sagged. “I think about it every day. I’m so sorry, Lena. If I could go back—”
“But you can’t,” Lena interrupted, feeling tears prick at her eyes. “We can’t. All we can do is move forward somehow.”
There was a heavy silence before Michael spoke again. “You’re right. I know it doesn’t fix anything, but I am sorry. For all of this.”
Lena took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. “I know. And part of me is proud of you for doing the right thing. But another part…”
“Wishes I’d never noticed anything?” Michael finished quietly.
Lena nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“Mom?” Emma’s voice came from behind her. “Is everything okay?”
Lena quickly wiped her eyes before turning to her daughter. “Yeah, sweetie. Just grown-up stuff. Want to say hi to your dad?”
As Emma chatted with Michael, Lena stepped away, her emotions swirling. She was grateful for the progress, relieved that the danger might soon pass. But she also couldn’t shake the anger, the resentment at having their lives turned upside down.
Later, as she tucked the kids into bed, Jake asked sleepily, “Mom? Are we winning?”
Lena paused, considering. “You know what, buddy? I think we’re getting there. It’s complicated, but things are getting better.”
After the kids were asleep, Lena sat on the porch, staring at the stars. Her phone buzzed with a text from Alex, her Positivity Partner:
Check in tomorrow? Sounds like there’s news to process.
Lena smiled wryly, typing back:
Definitely. Good news, but lots of complicated feelings to work through.
You don’t have to feel overwhelmed. A Certified Positivity Partner can help you rebalance. Learn more: https://www.yourdailydoseofhappy.com/overwhelm/
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