I open the door just in time for little Olivia to jump into my arms for a hug. She hasn't seen me in a week, and she always welcomes me with such enthusiasm. This is why I love being a father.

"Have you had a good time with mommy this week?" I ask as I put my arms around her and rub her back.

We never got married. We were together for about five years, starting in 2017. We had Olivia in 2020, during the quarantine, and we broke up a year ago. Why? I think it was my fault. I wasn't home enough. You felt overwhelmed taking care of a baby alone, and after talking it over, we thought it was best to separate. But we get along well, all for Olivia.

So basically we have shared custody: one week you have her, the other week I have her. I bought a house for the two of you, 15 minutes from where I live, so it wouldn't be too much of a change for Liv and she could go to the same school and so on. We're actually pretty good about it.

I lift my head when I see you approaching with Olivia's backpack hanging from your shoulder. Today you look... radiant. You look gorgeous, more dressed up than usual, and it makes my heart skip a beat.

"Wow, you look great. Do you have any plans today?" I ask in a friendly way. At the end of the day, you're my daughter's mother, and I want to maintain a good relationship with you.