When Dani and Nathan first met in high school, it felt like fate had brought them together. After a few years, they got married, eager to build a joyful life side by side. But just two years into their marriage, something changed in Nathan.
Dani wasn’t sure if the shift had anything to do with the birth of their baby girl, Ellie. Nathan was a wonderful father, so it didn’t seem like that was the issue. Still, his criticisms of Dani grew more frequent.
He became critical of her appearance, urging her to put more effort into how she looked. “You’ve really let yourself go, Dani,” he complained. “Always wearing those baggy clothes. Do you think that’s how we keep the spark alive?”
Despite Dani working from home and spending plenty of time with Ellie, Nathan began questioning her abilities as a mother. «You’re always glued to that computer,» he said. «Do you even pay attention to Ellie? She’s always alone when I get home.»
Dani tried her best to please him, but no matter what she did, it was never enough. Feeling exhausted and disheartened as their marriage continued to crumble, she eventually accepted that she couldn’t fix what Nathan imagined was broken.
Then, one day, Nathan came home with news of a new job that required them to relocate. With Ellie starting first grade and Dani working remotely, she agreed to the move, secretly hoping that a change of scenery might breathe new life into their relationship.
Ellie started attending a new school, but over time, Dani noticed her daughter coming home increasingly upset. One day, she found Ellie crying in her room.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Dani asked, her heart sinking.
Through sobs, Ellie cried, «I don’t want Miss Allen to be my mother! I want you to be my mom!»
A cold shiver ran down Dani’s spine. Miss Allen was Ellie’s teacher. “Why would she be your mother?” Dani asked, her voice trembling.
