Page 50 of Absolution

“Wow,” I say, nodding like this is exactly what I dreamed of. “That’s... super practical. Thank you.”

Iris bounces forward next. “Mine’s in the envelope!”

I open it, pull out a folded card and a printed receipt. “Subscription toModern Lawn Care Monthly?” I glance at her, amused.

“It comes with a free soil testing kit!” she says. “And a 10% discount on eco-fertilizers!”

“Of course it does.”

Jemma snorts. “Mine’s the best, though.”

She hands over a large, awkwardly wrapped package. I tear through the paper and reveal a brand-new garden hose. Heavy-duty. Industrial length. Bright neon green.

“Dad,” she says, grinning, “it has eight spray settings.”

I look at all three of them, trying not to laugh. “So… just to be clear, this year for my birthday I’ve received a gutter cleaner, a lawn magazine subscription, and a high-powered hose?”

They all nod enthusiastically.

“This is officially the most dad birthday I’ve ever had.”

I’m still chewing on the gifts when Jackie walks in. She’s holding a steaming cup of coffee inmyfavourite mug. “There you go,” she says, handing me the mug.

“Hi, honey,” I say, a little surprised. She’s wearing leggings and one of my old shirts, her hair still damp from a shower. She looks... happy. Lighter.

“Can we tell him? Can wetellhim?” Levi’s practically vibrating where he sits, kicking his feet against the bedframe.

“Tell me what?” I ask, grinning.

All three turn to Jackie. She gives a small nod, and suddenly it’s chaos.

“We’re going to Zilker Park!” Iris blurts, already grinning wide.

“Yup,” Jemma says, pulling a folded flyer from her pocket like it’s a secret mission. “You get to hang out withjustus. All day.”

“We’re gonna ride the train,” Levi jumps in, “and eat at that food truck with the tacos and maybe rent kayaks if it doesn’t rain!”

I blink. “Whoa, family day?”

Jackie smiles, arms crossed loosely. “I only managed to get the four of you on the all-day pass. Lunch, activities, everything’s covered.”

The kids all talk over each other again, already listing what they want to do first. I watch them, heart full. “That’s... really cool,” I say honestly. “Thank you.”

I glance at Jackie and reach for her hand, but she’s already stepping back, giving a quick clap to quiet the chatter. “Okay, okay, go grab your water bottles and jackets if you want to make the train ride.”

As they scatter, I ask quietly, “Why don’t you come with us?”

She hesitates, then shakes her head with a small smile. “This is for you. All yours.”

I miss her.

She’s still here. Still says the right things. Still makes me coffee in the morning, still smiles at me in that practiced, familiar way. But something’s shifted. I feel it.

Before, whenever I reached out, she wasthere. Without question. Now... it’s like the tide’s turned. She moves around me like water, always present, never touching. I kiss her cheek; shetilts her head. I reach for her hand; she’s already grabbing her phone.

She goes out of her way to avoid me. Polite. Efficient. Unreachable.

And the worst part? I can’t even do anything about it.

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