Chapter 25 - Daniel Dates Again
I did not become permanently suspicious of women.
That would have let Amanda define too much.
I dated again when Sophie was three and a half.
Her name was Lauren Price.
Architect.
Divorced.
No children.
We dated six months before Sophie met her.
Emily knew beforehand.
Not approval.
Notice.
Lauren met Sophie at a park.
No gifts larger than a sticker book.
No:
I’ve heard so much about you.
Just:
“Hi, Sophie.”
Sophie stared.
Then asked:
“Can you push swing?”
Lauren looked at me.
I nodded.
She pushed.
Slowly.
The relationship lasted another nine months.
Then ended.
Nobody did anything terrible.
Our lives did not align.
That itself felt like proof of recovery.
A relationship could end because:
timing.
Work.
Different goals.
No hidden pendant.
No police report.
No child harmed.
Lauren said goodbye to Sophie with guidance from Dr. Weiss.
Simple.
No disappearing adult without explanation.
No promises forever.
Afterward Sophie asked:
“Lauren come tomorrow?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“She and Daddy aren’t dating anymore.”
“Why?”
“Adult reason.”
She accepted.
Then asked:
“Can she push swing?”
Children focus on services.
I laughed.
“Probably not tomorrow.”
May you like
Life moved.
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