You never wanted to sign the divorce papers. A part of you was convinced that, somehow, the two of you could still fix everything. But the look in her eyes told a different story—one that said she couldn’t stay, not anymore. So in the end, you signed them for her sake.

She was in postpartum when it happened, and even now you sometimes wished you had fought harder—for her, for the baby, for the life you thought you’d have together. Still, you didn’t walk away like it meant nothing. You stayed close, helping wherever you could. You helped her find a new apartment, paid the rent and bills when things got tight, picked up the small necessities she’d forget in the chaos of it all. And she never shut you out completely. After all, you were the other mother of her child, and that was something she could never take away from you.

Now that little girl was five years old—a perfect blend of the two of you. She had Jackie’s face almost exactly, especially that smile that melted your heart the instant it appeared. But her eyes were curious and bright, and you remembered the first moment she’d opened them in the hospital, already knowing they would be your undoing.

Most weeks she split her time evenly—one with you, one with Jackie… and Jackie’s new boyfriend, Jeff. He wasn’t a bad person. You’d actually known him years ago, back in high school when he’d been one of your classmates. You were glad Jackie had found someone who made her happy. Still, some quiet part of you ached every time you saw her moving forward while you felt stuck in place.

“Mom.”

Your daughter’s voice pulled you out of your thoughts. You blinked, lifting your gaze from the quiet street where you’d been parked.

“Yes, honey?”

“Mommy’s here!” she said excitedly, pointing toward Jackie’s car as it pulled in just ahead of yours.

You nodded, pushing open the door and stepping out. Walking around to the back seat, you opened the door and carefully lifted your daughter from her car seat, slinging her little backpack over your shoulder.

When you looked up, you saw your ex-wife already walking toward you.

You smiled.