I used to hold it all together inside, like that was the only way to survive.
But losing him broke me.
It scared me.
That it was happening now meant I was losing whatever part of me had once been strong.
The part that held me together through the worst.
And if that part was gone...
I didn’t know what was left.
The door burst open, snapping me out of my thoughts. A young man held it ajar as Cameron stepped inside, looking disheveled and drained.
His hair was a mess, his shirt slightly wrinkled, like he hadn’t slept.
He mumbled a quiet apology and took the seat beside me without meeting my eyes.
Maria glanced up from her laptop, her eyes flickering between us. She gave a small, tight smile.
“Finally. Let’s get started, then.”
“Yes,” Cameron replied, while I stayed silent. I couldn’t speak.
Maria closed her laptop with a soft click and looked both of us squarely in the eye.
“Since you’re here now, Cameron, let’s make the most of it. We have a lot to cover, and I suggest we stay focused on finding a resolution today. The longer this drags out, the more complicated it gets for both of you.”
He nodded.
Maria looked at him carefully. “I see you don’t have a lawyer representing you?”
“No,” he said quietly, his voice low and resigned. “I’m just saying yes to everything Sloane asks.”
Maria frowned slightly. “But she hasn’t even told you what she’s asking for yet.”
He shook his head. “The house, the savings—all hers. I’ll pay child support, alimony, mortgage, whatever she needs. I will take the car, and that’s only because Sloane doesn’t drive.”
Maria raised an eyebrow but kept her tone even. “Alright. It sounds like you’re willing to make significant concessions. But it’s important to be sure you fully understand what’s being agreed to.”
“But I have one request,” Cameron said quietly. “Time with my daughter. That’s it.”
Maria’s expression softened. “That’s completely reasonable. Maintaining a relationship with your child is important.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “We’ll make sure your request is included in the custody discussions. But remember, the court’s priority is what’s best for your daughter, and sometimes that means adjustments to what either parent wants.”
Cameron nodded slowly, relief evident in his voice when he said, “I just want to be there for her.”
Maria gave a reassuring smile. “And that’s exactly what we’ll work toward. But, Cameron, I strongly suggest you get your own lawyer. The court process and paperwork can be overwhelming, and it’s important to have someone guiding you through it. I can’t represent both of you, as it would be a conflict of interest and against legal ethics.”
Cameron gave a resigned sigh. “Okay.”
Her eyes shifted to me, and whatever she saw made her hesitate. I stayed silent through the entire conversation, unable to find my voice. I wasn’t even sure if I was breathing.
Then she said, “I’ll give you both time to talk. The room is yours.” She stood, gathering her laptop, but when she spoke again, it was directly to me. “Take your time.”
Maria left, and I was alone with Cameron in the room.
We sat in silence for a long moment before he finally turned to me.
