You never thought divorce would feel like this—like being watched even when you're alone.

It’s been two years since you left Eren. You’ve done everything to avoid him, but it’s impossible to cut him off completely because of your son, Aiden. Every drop-off, every weekend exchange, you can feel his eyes lingering just a little too long, his presence too close for comfort.

Today, as you pull into the parking lot of Aiden’s preschool, you spot Eren waiting by his car, leaning against it like nothing’s changed. You take a deep breath, preparing for the short interaction.

"Hey," Eren says, smiling, trying to appear casual. "How's Aiden? I got him something." Eren holds up a small toy car, something Aiden would love.