Keep the Kid, I'm Out

Natalie spotted me first. "Emily! I thought that was you. Jasper said no way."

Her eyes dropped to the job flyer in my hand, and she gave me that fake-sweet smile.

"So... you're job hunting? A waitress gig? Even if you're mad at Jasper, no need to punish yourself like this."

I didn't say a word. Some teen on the sidewalk handed me the flyer—looked frozen, so I took it to be nice.

But when I didn't answer and kept clutching it, Natalie's smile grew even smugger.

"If you'd said something, maybe I could've helped. We're all family, right? If you're doing okay, then Jasper and Nathan can have a better life. That would really put me at ease."

To them, my silence was all the confirmation they needed.

Jasper looked confused at first—then straight-up disgusted.

His mouth tightened, eyes cold.

"What's there to help with? She's the one who walked away from a killer doctor gig. If she ends up broke, that's on her."

Then he turned to me.

"Emily, really? All this just to guilt me into giving up my kid? You've hit a new low."

I stared at him—this guy I used to know—and felt like I was looking at a complete stranger.

I remembered when we first got married, when I thought about quitting medicine because work was toxic.

He pulled me into his arms and said, "We're a team. Whatever you choose, I've got you. So what if you quit? I'll always be here."

Now? He stood by and let someone else tear me down.

He'd tossed those promises—and everything we had—like they meant nothing.

Even Raymond and Josephine were sneering.

"Emily, you're like a hen that can't lay eggs. Always off doing who-knows-what. How could you ever compete with Natalie?"

"Honestly, no wonder Jasper moved on. You're just not that appealing."

Their voices got louder, uglier. People on the street started staring.

My fists clenched. Nails digging deep into my palms.

I was just about to say something when Natalie stepped in closer.

"We're off to take a family photo. You should come, Emily. I'll be counting on you to help with Jasper and Nathan."

I looked at her, dead silent.

Jasper pulled her close and scoffed.

"Natalie, I know you're trying, but she's not gonna get it."

Then he looked at me.

"What's with the face? Show up or don't—just know you'd wreck the whole vibe."

He turned and led her toward the photo studio.

"We'll get going. Don't let us mess up your job hunt," Natalie chirped.

She gave me one last smug glance before they walked off.

I watched them go—and felt nothing.

To everyone else, they looked picture-perfect.

If that's what Jasper wanted, I had no reason to stop him.

***

Three days before I was set to bounce, Dr. Steinbeck—our hospital director—hit me up.

Dr. Holgate—the specialist I'd asked about—was in Crenova for some forum. Said he could take a look at Josephine's asthma.

She'd been fighting it forever. It was chill most days, but when it flared? Total nightmare. I'd been the one keeping it under control this whole time.

Even while I was overseas, I had friends pulling case studies for me.