IVisited My Ex-wife’s House and Saw My Kids Fundraising — When I Found Out What for, My Heart Sank I never thought that going to my ex-wife’s house would involve a cookie sale that would alter everything. However, little did I know that when I walked up to my kids’ small fundraising booth.
I would be having the hardest, most heartbreaking conversation of my life.As I entered my ex-wife Goldie’s driveway, the sun was lowering, creating elongated shadows on her immaculate lawn.
My name is Nathaniel, and I used to live here as well. I’m 38 years old.
It’s merely a further indication of how much has changed now.Although Goldie and I parted ways eight months ago, we’ve made an effort to maintain good relations for the sake of our children, Jack and Sarah. They are essentially tiny children, ages 7 and 5, enmeshed in the chaos we have created. So far, you know, we’ve been able to co-parent without a lot of turmoil.
Taking shifts picking up students from school, scheduling weekends, all of it. However, I could not have been more unprepared for what transpired that night. I was stopping by to pick up some paperwork I had left behind from my previous visit. I saw Sarah and Jack sitting in front, fundraising, as I killed the engine.
A little table was prepared with an array of toys and sweets. My pride grew within me. Take a look at my self-starting youngsters!With a slight stiffness in my knees, I got out of the car. Aging, I suppose. I walked over, patting Jack’s hair as I got closer. “Hey, what’s all this, champ?”
Sarah looked as happy as a Christmas tree. “We’re raising money for a special cause, Daddy!” I smiled and grabbed my wallet. “Well, I’m unable to refuse that. How much is a cookie worth? Jack extended three fingers. “Three dollars!”I arched an eyebrow. “A cookie costs three dollars? You’re baking something really elegant there.” Sarah gave a somber nod. “It’s for something really important, Daddy.” I sensed something wasn’t quite right as I was going to inquire about this significant cause. Goldie had not shown up to greet us. It was strange. Even when our relationship isn’t the best, she usually comes out to at least wave.
I wanted to check it out for myself as I assumed she was probably chained inside. “Please come back soon, kids,” I urged as I made my way to the front door. “Save me a cookie, okay?” As soon as I entered the house, I felt a rush of nostalgia. The sound of the ancient grandfather clock in the living room ticking away, combined with the comforting aroma of Goldie’s favorite candles. It resembled going back in time. “Hey,” I yelled, my voice resonating along the corridor. “What are the kids raising money for?” Goldie emerged from the kitchen with a stressed-out, pinched-face expression on her face.
She had a speck of flour on her cheek, most likely from making those cookies that cost three dollars. “What?” she inquired, her tone betraying her uncertainty. “I thought they were just playing in the backyard.” I scowled and pointed to the front door. “Well, no, they’re setting up a table in front and collecting money for a cause. You were unaware?” She massaged her temples and groaned. That gesture was one I recognized. She does that in an attempt to prevent a headache.“I’ve been occupied with packing your belongings and handling the necessary paperwork. I had no idea what they were planning.” At that point, our old tendencies of bickering gave way. She retaliated against me for continuously criticizing her parenting after I accused her of not paying attention. Then we both realized what had happened. Nobody was benefiting from this, least of all the children. “Look,” I murmured while inhaling deeply. “Let’s just go see what they’re doing, okay?” Goldie wiped her hands on her slacks and nodded. Yes, you are correct. Come on, let’s go.” I couldn’t help but notice the pile of boxes in the corner as we made our way to the door. My attic stuff, all packed up and ready to move out. One additional indication that this was no longer my home. We moved outside onto the veranda, with the cold evening breeze caressing my skin.
