Chapter 22 - THE DIVORCEWe divorced eleven months after Nora’s birth.
No dramatic trial.
No judge declaring a winner.
Derek initially hoped counseling might save us.
I attended six sessions.
Not because I promised reconciliation.
Because I wanted to know whether ending the marriage was a decision or a reflex.
The counselor asked:
“Sarah, what would need to happen for trust to return?”
I thought for a long time.
Then:
“I would need to become someone who didn’t know what I know.”
That answered it.
Derek closed his eyes.
He did not argue.
We negotiated.
House equity divided according to our ownership and contributions.
Retirement accounts adjusted.
No giant fortune.
No punitive financial windfall.
I kept the house temporarily because moving with an infant made no sense.
Derek rented a two-bedroom apartment close enough for parenting exchanges.
Custody began gradually.
Short daytime visits.
Then longer.
Then one overnight when Nora was older and feeding allowed it.
Eventually shared legal custody with a structured physical schedule weighted toward me while she was very young.
May you like
No Jessica around Nora during the early transition.
By the time the issue could have changed, Derek and Jessica were no longer together.
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