He took the children out because he could see I was near tears

Dear Delyara, I hadn’t said I was overwhelmed. I was still doing the ordinary things. But he saw it. Noticed the way I was moving too quickly, answering too brightly, and not quite looking at anybody for long. He didn’t make me explain myself in the kitchen like some emotional customs officer. He just said, “We’re going to the park. You stay here.” The minute the door closed behind them, I burst into tears. Not because of the children. Because he had seen me early enough that I did not have to become obviously unwell before I qualified for relief. That kind of timing feels like love to me now more than grand speeches ever did.