10/23/2025
I assumed we were beginning something meaningful. Daniel whipped up pancakes like a sitcom character, listened to my promotion news, grinned—then dropped the Seattle news: "I got a job, we're moving after the honeymoon." No real discussion; just a plan served to me like syrup. Instead of a fresh start, it felt like layers of decisions were pressing down on me.
Curious details started to emerge: secret phone usage, plans for an unplugged honeymoon with "no Wi-Fi," and an intense look whenever he scrolled his phone. I tried to be practical—perhaps he was orchestrating a surprise or figuring out plans—but my instincts felt unsettled.
The big change arrived…
It happened the day before the wedding. A knock at the door. I opened up to find a weary woman, two children at her side, holding papers in her hands. ⬇️