Chapter 13

Noah's eyes widened as he listened to his parents' explanation. He looked from one to the other, his face scrunched up in confusion.

"But why can't I stay with both of you?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Sarah knelt down beside him, her expression softening. "We love you, sweetie, but Mommy and Daddy need some time apart. We'll both still see you, just not at the same time."

Noah's face crumpled, and he threw his arms around Sarah's neck. "I don't want to leave you, Mommy!"

Michael's heart ached as he watched the scene unfold. He knelt down beside them, putting a hand on Noah's shoulder.

"Hey, buddy, it's okay. We'll both still be your parents, and we'll both still love you. This is just a new way of doing things."

Noah pulled back, his eyes welling up with tears. "But I don't want things to change!"

Sarah and Michael exchanged a glance, both of them struggling to find the right words to comfort their son.

At first, Noah struggled to adjust to the new arrangement. He missed his paren