I pushed past him, entering the room. On his screen was an online game and a video chat with an animated avatar labeled SuzyLovely88. “What is this?” I demanded.
Jake’s panic turned to defiance. “It’s my hobby,” he snapped. “Suzy listens to me. She’s fun, unlike you.”
His words stung. “I’ve been holding this family together while you hide in here, playing games and talking to strangers?”
Jake packed a bag and stormed out, saying he was going to meet Suzy. The next day, his mother called with news: Suzy wasn’t who he thought. She was a middle-aged man who had been catfishing Jake and taking his money.
Jake begged to come back, humiliated. But I had reached my limit. I told him I wanted a divorce.
In the weeks that followed, I rebuilt my life. I found a full-time job, enrolled the kids in daycare, and reclaimed my independence.
One night, as I tucked Tyler into bed, he asked, “Mommy, are we going to be okay?”
I smiled and replied, “Yes, sweetheart. We’re going to be more than okay.”
For the first time in years, I truly believed it.