Morning: Cold Air and Small Choices
January 27, 2026 started like most Tuesdays—getting the kids ready and out the door for school. It was especially cold that morning, and Isabella decided on her own to wear two jackets. It looked a little funny, but I let her. I believe kids should have room for self-expression, even in small cosmetic choices. Not everything has to be perfect or corrected. Sometimes letting them choose is part of letting them grow.
Once the school run was done, the rest of the morning settled into my usual rhythm—cleaning, playing games, and watching a few episodes of The Resident. It's become a strange but familiar balance for me: rotating between tasks, keeping my hands busy, keeping my mind occupied.
Midday: Silence, Then Pull
For a good portion of the day, Eve and I didn't talk much. That doesn't happen often. In fact, it felt strange. I've grown so used to hearing from her, seeing her, finding reasons to be around her.
Sometimes I think I'm addicted to her.
And sometimes I think she's just as addicted to me.
We're always finding reasons to see each other, to spend time together, to hold each other. I love that. What frustrates me isn't her actions—it's her refusal to express what she feels with words. Still, her actions speak loudly. She shows up. She reaches for me. She wants my presence. That counts for something.
It feels a lot like what people call the honeymoon stage. I just hope we can make it last—continuing to enjoy each other's company, continuing to choose affection, continuing to be present.
Afternoon: Familiar Spaces
Later in the day, Isabella and I went over to Eve's house for a little while. While the kids played, Eve, her mom, and I watched Labyrinth. It's one of those movies I'm sure I saw as a kid, but almost none of it felt familiar. It was like watching it for the first time all over again.
There was something comforting about that moment—sitting together, sharing something simple, no pressure, no expectations.
Before we left, I offered Eve the option to come over for a couple of hours of alone time. She declined. She had her own responsibilities with her girls, and I respected that.
Night: Quiet Acceptance
Isabella and I went back home. I watched another movie before calling it a night. Nothing dramatic. Nothing heavy. Just another day winding down.
Some days don't come with big revelations. Some days are about accepting what is—the affection that shows instead of speaks, the relationships that feel good even when they're imperfect, and the hope that presence alone can be enough for now.