He sighed. “Emily, I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”
“Just listen. There was no fortune teller. Your mother lied.”
Silence. Then, “Emily, I don’t believe it. My mother wouldn’t.”
“She did, Jack. She told Carol. Beth heard. She was scared of losing you.”
He scoffed. “The fortune teller’s been right. You don’t know her. My mother wouldn’t lie.”
My heart sank. “Jack, please. Why would I lie? It’s your family.”
He didn’t answer. Then, “I’m sorry, Emily. I can’t do this.”
The line died. I knew he’d chosen. He was gone.
In the following weeks, I coped as a single mom. It was a struggle, but friends and family helped. My love for the girls grew. Their smiles and sounds filled me with joy.