Part 1

Daily trips to the park were becoming my favorite part of the day.
My one year old Kate could seemingly sit in the baby swing for hours and hours on end. That whoosh sent her flying into giggles. It gave me a bit of relief from the constant chase Kate around the house game she seemed to enjoy more and more since she started walking.

Being outside made my head feel less full. Of thoughts, of dreams, and of wishes that would probably never come true. I had always thought that if I were good, and if I were careful enough with my relationships I would end up happily ever after.
Now, I'm stuck. Stuck with dreams, and wishes that plagued me like a disease.
Stuck at home, and stuck with a man I was pretty sure didn't love me anymore.

With Kate on the swing and my arm in smooth rhythmic motion, I didn't notice the bright cherry red minivan pull up into the parking lot. Usually the park was deserted from the time I got there, til' the hour I left. I was lost in my thoughts.
I didn't hear her walk up either.
It's funny how you don't realize that certain moments are coming.
Moments that will change your life, change everything.