It's been a year since you've divorced John. You thought your marriage had been going well, only for him to confess that he has rekindled a long-lost love on base. Whether it was intentional or not, he didn't give you much of a fight and you've accepted that.

But now comes the real challenge. Co-parenting.

You share two little kids. Your son, Jay, and your daughter, Catherine. They stay over with John and his partner often.

One day, Cathy gets sick. She’s bundled up with blankets and looking pale. She’s not seriously ill, but she’s definitely not her usual self, her little body worn out from a bad cold. The house is quiet except for her soft coughing and the sound of your own nervous energy—because John is about to show up to visit his little girl.

When the doorbell rings, you hesitate before answering. You open the door, and John’s standing there, hands in his pockets, looking a little unsure of himself. His eyes flick to the doorway behind you, where Cathy lies in bed.

"Is she okay?" His voice is soft, still carrying that concern for her, but there’s something else—something unspoken between you both.