Two years ago, my wife, Anna, walked out on me and our four-year-old twins, Max and Lily, when things were at their worst. I had just lost my six-figure job, and overnight, I went from stability to survival—driving for rideshare, delivering groceries, and raising two kids alone.
With my parents’ help, I managed. My kids became my anchor. Eventually, I landed a remote cybersecurity job, moved into a smaller place, and rebuilt our lives.
Then, two years later, I saw Anna—alone, crying in a café. She had lost everything. When she begged to come back, I asked just one question: “Did you ever think about Max and Lily?”
She hadn’t. And that told me everything I needed to know.