STEP ASIDE EX- HUSBAND: The rise of Liana

han they had to around the steering wheel, but I didn't care. Do

t hurt worse th

would revolve on his whim. But that he could sleep beside me one night

shattered me a

was still on, most probably because my mom was still watching "Sam and Cat" on Nickelodeo

knee and my awkward adolescence. And here I was today, an adult woman,

't even reached the first ste

mmme

gtails and dinosaur pajam

tackled me in a hug. Her little arms wrapped around my neck like a v

she asked, pee

No, you were flying. Are you

owed, her face serio

I'm sorry, bu

hrough narrowed eyes, then poked my cheek

sed up. "No.

, not believing me.

ping at my eyes. "J

n said with all the wisdom of a

o

"And big blankie. The

herapist sweetie?" I

n scrunched up her nose.

use

nd on my chest. "

s and

n. "You 'mell l

at bubbled up. "Okay. I'll s

e and whispered,

real

when dark.' But I ate one. Shh." She brought her f

the doorway. "Of course

robe wrapped tightly, raised brows

om," I

re gonna come in, or you wanna go

ered. "Yeah, def

hand. "Me too! I

e for the cookie

"Nooo.I tell

yes as she backed away

hoodie as I entered b

ea

stay

t down. "Yeah, ba

neck again. "Good." Camill

comforter, the room had darkened and was snug. I sat on

asked, "Mommy, did Dad

ath st

d saw how little she actually understood,

s not your fault, okay? Noth

like a miniature wise old grandma. "He's a

he pain. "I'll take

elf up in blankets. "Tell

r forehead. "I love yo

ed in the hallway with two mugs in her hands. One of them was mar

ter. "You know

he couch. "Now tell me everything. A

a sigh, drinking a long draught. Th

rising from the mug. "H

le

ther woman," I continued. "Lipstick on his colla

us, I spent it sitting across from him on the table

he leaned back and took a sip of tea. "Well,

we were getting better. I fought for us. I forgave him more than I sho

the fire. He was just the smoke. You couldn't breathe around

. "That was beautiful. Have you be

ay

e. Just the two of us. Two generations

Are you staying

lly. "Yeah. If

cream when you were in the room with the princess. I also told the neighbor on my way

, the first time in day

why you

forehead. "Now go to bed. You look li

ha

it to drink

step heavier than the last but m

ed in my clothes, pulled blankets up over me, and curled into a ball. Just as

, though. It was about finally walking away from