Evelyn thought that feeling of relief would hang around longer.
And for a bit after she told Mara no, it did. Life moved with a gentler rhythm. Mornings were easier. Evenings felt like she'd earned them. Her decision to stay wasn't a big deal anymore—it just felt right.
Then, life reminded her that what she did had a ripple effect.
It started on a Monday.
She was sipping her coffee when Noah’s phone rang. He checked the screen and frowned.
“It’s the school,” he said, already answering it.
Evelyn saw him tense up as he listened—shoulders getting tight, jaw clenched.
“Yeah… I get it… Okay.”
He hung up slowly.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“Sophie,” he said. “She got in a fight.”
Evelyn blinked. “A fight?”
“More like… she lost it,” he said. “She pushed another kid. They want us to come
