She narrows her eyes, as if trying to read my thoughts, as if still hoping I would back down, apologize, give her reason. But that is not going to happen.
"And what about me, Ryan? Where do I fit in?"
"I don't know. But what I do know is that this isn't working. I've known it for a while, I just refused to accept it."
There's a heavy silence. Then, she smiles. A dry, joyless smile.
"You'll regret it. Michelle left you, and now you're going to be alone again. You're not going to find anyone who understands you as I do."
I don't respond. Because it's not about who stays or who leaves. It's about peace. About respect. About example. And the last thing I want is for Candace to grow up seeing this as normal.
"I don't need you to understand me, Blake. I simply need you to leave."
She take
