” My yell reverberated throughout the lavish room. With her hands raised, Laura stepped forward to try to intervene.
“Please, Penelope, stay out of this! ” She was silenced by my glare as I snapped.
With rage in my hands, I turned back to David.
How much time has passed since this began?
” “It wasn’t supposed to—” David mumbled, “Save it. ” Every word came out coldly, like a dagger.
We are finished. With each step, my heart broke as I left.
My face was wet with tears as I drove home in a blur.
How could he harm us in this way?
For Derrick? I experienced both pain and relief when I got home.
I contacted an attorney and began the difficult divorce filing process. I had to be strong for Derrick, and I couldn’t let this break us.
That evening, Maria came over, and her presence restored my broken heart.
She embraced me and said, “Pen, I’m so sorry.
” My wet tears soaked her shoulder as I leaned in closer to her. Maria, I don’t know how to do this.
How do I proceed? “One step at a time,” she mumbled.
You have more power than you realize.
Determined to heal and rebuild my life, I began therapy.
It was difficult every day, but I focused on Derrick and made sure he felt loved and safe. He looked up at me with those big, innocent eyes one evening as I tucked him into bed.
Mommy, how are you doing? Through my tears, I smiled.
Yes, my dear.
We won’t have any problems at all.
” Knowing that I had found my strength despite the pain, I gave him a kiss on the forehead. For Derrick and myself, I was ready to start over.
