ears Caleb and I had been together. I thought it was a sign of acceptance

th a strange tension. And then I saw her. Maria Chavez, Caleb' s high sc

rs old, was with her. He sa

ad

eb just ruffled his hair, a casual smile

is is Maria and her son, Leo. She' s having a tou

stood there, holding the gift, feel

who had never called me anything but Madisyn, cooed over Leo, cal

. At one point, he picked up a piece of turkey with his fork and f

ly, telling Caleb how hard her life was as a single mother. Leo, seeing

finger at me. "You

out and slapped my cheek. It didn't hurt

eb's mother spoke, her voice sharp. "Ma

n at Caleb, waiting

did

said, his voice laced with annoyance.

hitectural drafting set, the kind for professionals, not children. It was the exact set

using my money to buy a gif

ly constructed fantasy of our life to

didn't say a word. I just turned and walked out of the din

ay, grabbing my arm. "Where are

aleb." My voice

e. You were cruel. Maria is a victim, and Le

I had loved and supported for sev

N

d of his hand hitting my face echoed i

heaving. "You're toxic, Mad

linch. I just felt a profound

" I said, my

door, leaving him standing there