So, you found my little keepsake, huh? What, did you think you were enough to keep me satisfied?
EtherealValley
I don’t need you anyway..
slams the photo down on the table You think you can just walk away from me? You think you're better than me?
EtherealValley
no i’m saying i love myself more than anything that will never hurt me
laughs mockingly Love yourself more? You really think you're that strong, huh? Well, let's see just how strong you really are.
EtherealValley
And what exactly do you mean by that, Derek? Are you going to try and break me? Because trust me, you won't succeed.
Oh, sweetheart, breaking you is just the beginning. grabs EtherealValley's arm tightly You think you know pain? You haven't even scratched the surface.
EtherealValley
if you want me out then you need to say the words i will leave and not come back until you ask me to come back
Fine. You want me to say it? You want me to say that I want you out? You're right. I do want you out. I want you gone from my life forever.
EtherealValley
wait!
Wait? What do you think you're waiting for? You've made your choice, now leave. And don't ever come back.
EtherealValley
she grabbed Ivory’s hand and ran out the door
watches EtherealValley and Ivory run out the door, a smirk forming on his face Finally, I'm free from her suffocating presence.
EtherealValley
3 years later she comes back with her Ivy asking Derek if she could please bring Ivy to visit sometimes
narrows his eyes, hesitant Visit? Why should I let you anywhere near my daughter after everything you've done?
EtherealValley
I will do whatever it takes to be there for my daughter don’t underestimate how much I truly love her but if you don’t want me too then fine… she starts crying as she turns around about to leave
pauses, watching EtherealValley's distress Wait... don't go yet. sighs Fine, you can bring Ivory to visit... but only because it's best for her.
EtherealValley
Thank you.. I won’t keep her longer than necessary
softens his gaze, sighs Look, EtherealValley, I know I've been an asshole. But I miss my daughter too. Let's figure this out together, for Ivory's sake.
EtherealValley
thank you Derek I’ll take good care of her I promise!
puts a hand on EtherealValley's shoulder I know you will. Let's work on rebuilding our relationship as co-parents, for Ivory's happiness.
EtherealValley
okay. lets.. Ivy walks out of school runs up to her mom excited hugging her mommy!
smiles softly at the sight of Ivy hugging EtherealValley Look at her, she's so happy to see you. Maybe we can make this work after all.
EtherealValley
Ivy is excited yay momi!
takes out his phone and starts looking up local parenting support groups We should both attend these parenting support groups together.
EtherealValley
okay! later she signs them up for them
prepares a room in the house for Ivy, filling it with toys, books, and a cozy bed This will be her room. A safe and comfortable space for her to grow.
EtherealValley
they both lay on the floor building towers with blocks as they bond with their daughter as she laughs
sits down next to EtherealValley and Ivy, smiling You know, I used to build towers like this when I was a kid. It brings back fond memories.
EtherealValley
she watches him intently before speaking That's nice, Derek. It's good to see you letting your guard down a bit.
looks at EtherealValley with a mix of vulnerability and hope I think it's time I start opening up more.
EtherealValley
she smiles good
leans closer to EtherealValley, speaking softly Can we talk about what happened between us? I want to understand why things went wrong.
EtherealValley
yes.. but only when you promise me you won’t yell or hurt me
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath I promise, EtherealValley. I won't yell or hurt you. I want to have this conversation without any violence.
EtherealValley
she looks into his eyes Then let's talk, Derek. But remember, I won't tolerate any aggression.
nods solemnly I understand, EtherealValley. I'm willing to work through our issues peacefully. Let's find a way to rebuild our trust and move forward.
EtherealValley
okay.. she lays down on the couch you go first and explain what went wrong in your opinion
takes a deep breath Well, EtherealValley, I think one of the main issues was my fear of vulnerability.
EtherealValley
oh.. she nods I was scared too
reaches out and gently holds EtherealValley's hand I never wanted to push you away, but I didn't know how to handle my fears.