My Daughter Comes Before Your Ex

I had been married to Derek for seven years, and it took me begging him for two weeks straight just to get him to agree to spend our daughter’s birthday with us.

But when the day arrived, he didn't come home.

I slipped out onto the balcony, out of Hazel's sight, and called him a dozen times. Every single one went straight to voicemail.

Hazel stood by the front door, her eyes fixed on the driveway, yet she still turned to comfort me.

"Don't worry, Mommy. Daddy’s probably just picking up my present."