Forgive Me, My Love

Chapter 16: Healing Together

Monday morning.

Aria was making breakfast when her phone buzzed.

Damian: "Can I take Emma to the dentist today? 3 PM. I'll bring her back by 5."

Aria stared at the text. Then typed: "Okay. Thank you."

3 PM. Damian arrived on time.

"Hi baby," Damian said, kneeling to Emma. "Ready for the dentist?"

Emma nodded. "Will it hurt?"

"I'll hold your hand," Damian promised.

Aria watched them leave. Her chest felt weird.

At 4:45 PM, Damian texted a photo. Emma smiling, holding a sticker. "She was brave."

Aria smiled without realizing it.

5 PM. Damian dropped Emma off.

"Thank you," Aria said.

"Of course," Damian replied. "Also... I made dinner. Extra. Can I leave it here?"

Aria blinked. "You... cooked?"

"Lasagna. Emma's favorite," Damian said. "And yours."

Aria took the container. "Thank you."

That night, Aria and Emma ate lasagna together.

"Mommy, daddy cooks good," Emma said.

Aria nodded. "Yeah. He does."

Later, Aria texted Damian: "The lasagna was good. Thank you."

Damian replied instantly: "Anytime. Goodnight, Aria."

Aria stared at the message. And for the first time in 3 years, she didn't feel angry.

She felt... hopeful.

The next day, Damian sent another text.

Damian: "Emma mentioned she wants to go to the zoo this weekend. Can I take her?"

Aria: "Yes. But text me updates."

Damian: "Promise."

Saturday came. Damian sent photos all day.

Emma feeding giraffes.

Emma riding the carousel.

Emma sleeping on Damian's shoulder on the way home.

Aria looked at the last photo for a long time.

That night, Emma told Aria, "Mommy, I had the best day with daddy."

Aria hugged her. "I'm glad, anak."

After Emma slept, Aria got a call.

"Hey," Damian said. "Just checking if Emma got home okay."

"She did," Aria said. "Thank you... for today."

There was a pause.

"Aria," Damian said softly. "Can we... can we try coffee sometime? Just us. To talk. About co-parenting."

Aria's heart raced. "I... I'll think about it."

"That's fair," Damian said. "Goodnight."

Aria hung up. And smiled.

Baby steps. But steps forward.

She felt... hopeful.