ARI'S POINT OF VIEW
The morning sunlight streamed through the glass walls of my apartment, bright and soft, like the world itself was mocking my mood. The day had come. Derek was bringing the kids over. My kids. The ones who had turned their backs on me when life stopped being easy.
I stood in the living room, arms crossed, watching the doorman help carry in their luggages. The wheels of the suitcases rolled across the polished floor, echoing in a space that suddenly felt smaller just by their presence.
Marcus came in first, quiet and unsure, his eyes darting around the apartment. He looked older. Taller. Still too gentle for his own good. Maxine followed behind him, wearing that permanent look of annoyance that used to drive me insane. Her designer hoodie and rolling eyes said it all—s
