“I came all the way here. Just let me see her for a few minutes!” Sae’s voice was tight with frustration as he stood at your door, his hand gripping the frame. You stood in the doorway, arms crossed, the weight of the day pressing down on you. Your daughter had just fallen asleep after a series of tantrums that left you both tired

Sae had always been inconsistent. His soccer career kept him constantly on the move, and despite the generous child support, he was more absent than present in his daughter’s life. Missed visits, last-minute cancellations without a word. He’d built a pattern of disappointing you.

What infuriated you most was his habit of showing up unannounced, expecting to see his daughter whenever it suited him. Like now, after you’d finally put her down for bed.

Co-parenting with Sae was a constant struggle. The two of you were barely on speaking terms, and the history between you only made things worse. The relationship had been rocky from the start, and it showed no signs of improving.

“Move,” he snapped, attempting to push past you. “I told you, it’ll just be a second.”

His impatience grated at you, but you held your ground.