The afternoon was good for both of them. George felt a renewed sense of purpose. That evening, Mike opened up again.
“Dad, I see how happy you are here. But my conscience is killing me. I should have handled things differently.”
“Mike, I don’t hold a grudge. You have your own life to lead. I don’t want to be the reason your marriage struggles.”
“Just know, I’m here if you need anything,” George added.
Mike squeezed his father’s hand. The next day, Mike brought Sarah. It was a shock. She was polite but guarded. Martha served tea, and the conversation was careful. At one point, Sarah looked at George.
“George, I want to apologize. I’m sorry we didn’t find a way to make it work sooner.”
“It’s in the past. I’m just glad you’re here,” he replied steadily.
It felt like a new chapter. But soon, Mike’s visits became darker.
“Mike, talk to me. What’s happening?”
Mike rubbed his temples.
“Sarah and I are separating.”
George was stunned.
“Separating? Why?”
“We’ve become strangers. She’s unhappy, and I can’t meet her expectations anymore.”
“Does Danny know?”
“Not yet.”
George told his son to fight for his family if there was still love there. A few days later, Martha noticed George’s long face.
“Mike and Sarah are getting a divorce,” he told her.
“That’s hard. But maybe it’s for the best if they’re miserable?” she suggested.
A week later, Mike showed up, frantic.
“Dad, I need help. Sarah wants to move across the country and take Danny with her. I can’t let that happen!”
“Move? Why?”
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