Penny went back to Korea for work for a while. Four girls in a big house. Life carried on as usual, but the house felt quieter, and a long stillness settled in once the kids left for school.

The busyness came before I even had time to feel the weight of being on my own with the girls. I got the car fixed, went in as a parent helper for a school event, did the grocery run, ferried everyone to playdates and lessons, and worked through the kids’ school events and my own assignments one by one, like quests to tick off. Time moved on that way.

Weekends were slower. Taking the girls out had always been Penny’s job, so it was me now, with the occasional bored child in tow, at the library or the mall. I watched them make their own snacks, and had the occasional cup of tea with other mums.

The empty space where he should be always feels bigger than it looks. Like living with one finger folded down. There were moments I found myself simply waiting, quietly, for him to come back.