Chapter 047

Through the kitchen window, Morris watched seven-year-old Jacob Jr. kicking a soccer ball around the backyard. He seemed to have no regard for the fact that the sun was already below the horizon. Bursts of laughter from the young boy resounded in the air and, for one moment, it didn't lose the ability to warm up Morris's heart in light of the complicated arrangement of their family.

A rap at the door drew Morris out of his reverie. Allison entered, her face pulled into equal parts exhaustion and determination. "Hey," she said softly. "How was he today?"

Morris came up with a tired smile. "Good. We worked on his math homework, then he wanted to practice soccer. He's getting pretty good."

The silence was awkward between them, heavy with unspoken words and lingering resentments. It was now seven years since this co-parenting arrangement was established, yet all of the hurdles seemed sometimes to never be totally out of the way.

"Jacob's coming by tomorrow to take him to the science museu