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“Samantha, we can explain,” Tilly starts

“Don’t,” Sam bites back

This is going to be bad I start to walk towardsto shut down the temper tantrum I know Saht to But I can’t let Tilly take the fall for us I have to be a ht way I want to protect Til I put her in this situation after all

“You don’t need to explain You’re both adults, and if you want to be together, then that’s fine,” Saht voice

I freeze in place because I’ain to double check that I’ve heard her right It seems so, but surely it can’t be I look back at Tilly, and see a look of equal disbelief spreading across her face, the gears turning in her hter’s words

“Uin “I know this is a shock for you—”

But hter shakes her head and crosses her arms over her chest

“Look, I’ve been secretly seeing a therapist for the last feeeks, and she helped ivable ways My doctor helped er was actually rooted in sadness I felt rejected when Mory instead But even that was too an to take it out on other people”

Both Tilly and I stare ata deep breath, Sairlfriend

“Tilly, you were one of the people I hurt in that way, and you did nothing to deserve it I truly am sorry If reat person I hope you can forgive ressions”

Tilly’s mouth literally opens and shuts a few ti out Then, Samantha turns towards me

“Dad, I’ve been a lot to handle, so thank you for being patient with me But divorce sucks No one told me how I’m supposed to handle this! And it was even harder with you being so busy ork Principal Hartested I find soh soainst it at first, but he really pushed ested that I start exercising and that I create afor runs after school, and then finding some peace and calm in meditation before bed It’s helped a lot, and I’ it too”