*Natalie*
I sit on a worn-out bench in the park, the sun warming my skin and the laughter of children filling the air around me. My gaze follows my son Josh, his tiny form scampering around the playground with an energy that seems almost endless. He looks back at me every now and then, his face lighting up in a big grin as he shows off his newest trick.
I try to let his joy fill me up, but it's a struggle. My thoughts keep drifting back to Levi, his warm smile, his gentle touch. A part of me wishes I could just forget him, but it's not that easy.
"Nat," my mom's voice breaks through my thoughts, "What's got you so upset, honey?"
I try to shrug it off, to put on a brave face. "Just reconsidering my life, mom," I say, the words tasting bitter in my mouth.
She looks at me, a tender un
