Then, one rainy afternoon, I saw them outside a shabby café. Stan looked older, tired, and nothing like the man I once knew. Miranda was still dressed to impress, but the wear showed.Stan rushed to me, full of apologies and regret. He begged to see the kids. I listened, calm and steady because I no longer needed anything from him.

I gave him my number for the kids, if they wanted then walked away.Closure didn’t come from his regret. It came from my strength, and the peaceful life I built without him.