PART SIX: HIS DEPARTURE
The next morning, Ethan came downstairs wearing sunglasses and carrying his travel mug.
He looked rested.
I had been awake since 3:20.
Megan had arrived before sunrise. She was upstairs with the babies, helping me pack their clothing and medical supplies.
Ethan did not know she was there.
He glanced toward the ceiling when he heard a faint cry.
“You’ve got them?” he asked.
I looked at him.
“Yes,” I said. “I’ve got them.”
The taxi honked outside.
He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
“Try not to be angry the whole time I’m gone.”
I said nothing.
He pulled his suitcase toward the door.
For one brief second, I wondered whether I should stop him.
Not because I wanted him to stay.
Because a part of me wanted to give him one last chance to become the man he had promised to be.
Then he checked his phone and smiled at a message.
“Resort driver is meeting me at the airport,” he said. “Nice touch, right?”
That erased my hesitation.
“Have a safe flight.”
He left.
An hour later, Megan carried Lily to the car while I carried Grace and Noah in their infant seats.
I stood in the driveway for a moment, looking at the house where I had expected to raise my children.
Then I locked the door.
I did not know whether I would ever live there again.
But I knew I could not survive another night there alone.
