Two years ago, at our lowest point, my wife walked out on me and our children. I still remember that moment when Anna stormed out of our apartment with just a suitcase, saying, “I can’t do this anymore,” leaving me alone with our four-year-old twins, Max and Lily. In an instant, our family was shattered, and I was left to face the children along with overwhelming financial burdens.
Back then, I was a software developer at a computer company that promised big profits. However, behind the scenes, some dubious actions led to its sudden collapse. Overnight, I went from earning a six-figure salary to collecting unemployment checks. I could see the deep disappointment in Anna’s eyes when I broke the news to her—she was a polished marketing executive, and I never imagined she would leave during such dire times.
To survive, I started driving for rideshare services at night and delivering groceries by day, all while juggling the responsibilities of childcare. The twins were devastated and constantly wondered about their mother. Luckily, my parents stepped in to help with the twins when they could, even though they couldn’t provide any financial support.
Despite everything, Max and Lily became my anchor. Their little hugs and whispers of “We love you, Daddy” at the end of a long day pushed me forward—I couldn’t let them down.
The following year brought a ray of hope. I landed a freelance coding project, and the client was so impressed with my work that he eventually offered me a full-time remote position at his cybersecurity firm. While the salary wasn’t as high as before, it was stable enough. We moved into a smaller, cozier apartment, and I began to take better care of myself—hitting the gym, cooking healthy meals, and establishing a routine for the kids.
Then, exactly two years after Anna left, I saw her again. I was working at a café near our new home while the twins were at preschool when I noticed her sitting alone at a corner table, head bowed, tears streaming down her face. She looked completely worn out—her faded coat, dull hair, and heavy dark circles told a story of sleepless nights.
I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to bring her here in such distress. Even though I knew I should ignore her, given the pain she’d caused, I couldn’t forget that she was the mother of my children. When our eyes met, her expression shifted from shock to deep embarrassment.
I left my cup and laptop behind and walked over to confront the woman who had broken our family apart. “You abandoned us without a second thought, and now I find you crying in a café two years later—what happened?” I demanded.
She shook her head and explained, “I can’t fully explain it, but leaving you was a terrible mistake. I lost my job almost immediately afterward. I survived on my savings and some support from my parents until they, too, had to stop helping me. Everyone I thought was a friend disappeared when I needed them most.”
With a shaky voice, she added, “I miss you—I want to come back.” Reaching out toward me, Anna pleaded, “David, please. I know I don’t deserve it, but I’ll do anything to fix things. I’ve been living in rundown apartments, jumping from one temporary job to another. This time apart has made me realize what I lost.”
I pulled my hand away and replied, “Did you even think about Max and Lily in all this time? You haven’t mentioned them once.” The realization filled me with increasing disgust.
Her plea continued, “Please, David, just give me one more chance.” But I couldn’t forgive her. I turned my back, returned to my table, grabbed my laptop, and left, closing the door on a painful past.