disappointed
It was late at night. My stomach was cramping
so badly I had to call Ethan.
“Look, I can’t leave right now. Why don’t you
just take some pain meds? The power’s out at
Ashley’s, and she’s freaked out being there
alone with the kids. I gotta make sure they’re
okay.”
I opened my notes app and added a tally mark:
- 77.
That was the 77th time he’d ditched me for
Ashley and her kids.
July 7th. My birthday. Our anniversary. Every
year, Ethan and I made a big deal out of it.
So, on July 6th, I was excitedly telling Ethan
<
about my plans for the next day.
“Let’s go to that glassblowing workshop!
Remember how you loved that? Then we can
finally try that steakhouse you’ve been wanting
to go to. And there’s that new movie out, the
one you’ve been waiting for, we could…”
I was rattling off ideas, brimming with
excitement.
Ethan cut me off, a pained expression on his
face.
“Anna, I don’t think I can make it. Ashley said
they’re having a parent–kid field day at Zach’s
school, and she can’t manage both kids on her
own, so I need to be there.”
The smile froze on my face. “Ashley again?”
Ethan stayed silent. The words were piling up in my chest, choking me. “Couldn’t she just not
<
participate in the events? What exactly is your
role in their little family field day? Doesn’t she
have any other friends?”
Ethan frowned at me.
“I practically raised Zach. He’ll make a scene if
someone else goes with them.” A soft look
spread across his face as he thought about
Zach. Then, turning back to me, his brow
furrowed again. “He’s just a kid, Anna. Don’t be
so petty.”
My face went cold. I turned and walked toward
the bedroom.
Ethan grabbed my arm. “Anna! Enough already!
It’s just an anniversary. I can make it up to you
later! Ashley’s having a hard time, she asked
me for help, how could I say no?”
