Chapter 3 Abandoning My Son

• “No, it's fine,” I interrupted. “When do you need it by?”
• “Five o'clock tomorrow.”
• “Got it. I'll head to the studio first thing in the morning.”
• Hearing me agree, Evaline let out a relieved sigh and added apologetically, “I'm sorry. This might mess up your plans to drop off and pick up Jonah from school tomorrow.”
• “No worries,” I replied, chuckling on the phone. “Leonard can pick him up. If he's too busy, the school's close enough. Jonah can manage to get home on his own.”
• Since Jonah had convinced himself that all my sacrifices were for my own benefit, I figured there was no point in trying to prove otherwise. Instead of wasting energy on that, I decided to focus on working hard, thriving, and carving out a space where my efforts were recognized and valued.
• Early the next morning, I left for Evaline's studio.
• Halfway there, Leonard called. “Where are you off to so early?”
• “I went out to get a job,” I answered matter-of-factly. “That way, you won't have to support a deadbeat like me anymore. Wouldn't want to burden you.”
• “What?” His tone turned sharp. “Why didn't you talk to me about something this important?”
• “Why? Isn't this what you wanted? Me, not lounging around the house doing nothing?” I shot back.
• He hesitated, caught off guard. “But you still can't skip making breakfast. Jonah's about to leave for school, and there's nothing ready for him. What's he supposed to eat?”
• “Don't worry,” I said with a cool smile. “He's got you for a father. I'm sure you're more than capable of making sure your son doesn't go hungry.”
• “Oh, and just so you know,” I added, “I won't be able to make it home in time after school. Don't forget to pick Jonah up.”
• “I won't even get off work till around four-thirty,” Leonard protested. “How am I supposed to pick him up? Get back here, now!”
• I wasn't about to back down. “You'd better figure it out, or let him walk home. I don't have the time,” I shot back. Without waiting for a reply, I hung up.
• Leonard called back multiple times. After ignoring him for a while, I got fed up and added his number to my blocked list. Finally, the world felt calm again.
• I gazed out the car window, watching the scenery blur past, and exhaled a long sigh.
• No wonder some men prefer to stay hands-off at home. Turns out, it's quite freeing.
• At the studio, Evaline and I had a quick meeting to finalize the main plan, and then dove into revising the draft. When we were done, the client had a few more suggestions. Evaline and I exchanged a weary glance, sighed in unison, and got back to work.
• By the time the client approved the revisions, it was nearly five o'clock. Normally, I'd be rushing home to cook dinner by now, but this time, I turned to Evaline. “Want to grab a bite to eat?”
• “Huh?” She blinked in surprise. “Aren't you in a rush to get home and take care of Jonah?”
• “He's old enough to manage himself,” I said casually, waving it off. “And he's got a dad, too. If he can't find me, he knows where to turn. Feel like some lobster?” I pulled out my phone with a grin.
• Evaline's eyes lit up. “Absolutely! Let's go!”
• It had been so long since I'd gone out with a friend like this. The thought alone made me giddy. I ordered enough food to fill the table, but halfway through, I noticed Evaline looked like she had something on her mind.
• “What's up?” I asked, puzzled.
• “Are you hiding something from me?” She bit her lip and studied my face. “You seem... different today.”
• “Maybe,” I admitted with a laugh. “But not in a bad way.”
• I was mulling over how to bring up the subject of divorce when my phone rang. On the line was someone from the local police station. They explained that Jonah had gone there on his own, claiming I was trying to abandon him, and they needed me to come in to clarify the situation.
• Well, I didn't see that coming. My son, calling the cops on his own mother.
• I scoffed, “Have you contacted his father yet? He's alive and well, you know. It's his turn to pick Jonah up today. Maybe you should talk to him about this supposed abandonment.”