Chapter 5

I led the applause, saying, “Erik’s father is so handsome. Your family is a perfect match; you're clearly a close-knit family.” The words were barely out when those around us who knew me and Joaquin gasped. They lowered their heads, whispering amongst themselves. Joaquin panicked, grabbing my arm. “Diana, are you alright?” he asked.

Impatiently, I retorted, “What do you mean ‘alright’? Your wife and children are waiting for you.” I lowered my head, holding my daughter’s hand. Her expression was sad; she looked at her father with disappointment. Obediently, he turned and walked with me, Joaquin quickly catching up.

He was sweating profusely. “I know I… I was carrying the keychain, but on Erik’s birthday, he took a liking to it. As an elder, I couldn’t refuse.” He, a man so hard to refuse, had the audacity to refuse to cook for me. I felt guilty for denying my daughter’s amusement park wish, yet I couldn’t refuse Nyla and her son.

I looked down at my daughter. Lia pursed her lips, thoughtful. Then, stubbornly, she asked, “Can Dad come with us?” The foolish girl still loved her father, despite her disappointment.

A pained expression crossed Joaquin’s face. He said slowly, “Lia’s the most sensible. Erik will be teased without a father. Please stay and finish the activity with him, Dad?” My usually obedient daughter refused to budge. She shook her head firmly. “Dad, you can only be someone’s father; you can’t be so unfaithful.”

Joaquin looked ashamed. He glanced at me, then touched Lia’s head. “Lia’s right. I’ll go back with you.” The gloom vanished from my daughter’s face. Children’s happiness is simple; she took Joaquin’s hand and left.

Just then, a choked sob: “Uncle Joaquin, are you really leaving?” Joaquin froze, turning to see Erik crying, his face flushed. Joaquin wavered again. Lia sensed it and anxiously grabbed his hand, pulling him forward. He remained motionless. Lia’s hope faded. I sighed and walked away with my daughter, her stubbornness gone.

That day, I took my daughter to the amusement park she’d longed for—a place she’d always wanted us to visit together. But she and I waited, and waited, and waited. Joaquin, however, never had time. He could take Nyla to the aquarium, accompany Erik to catch dolls. But with me and my daughter, he complained of being tired, bossing us around. His tenderness and indulgence were given to others; coldness and selfishness to us. Or perhaps, we were the outsiders. But now, I didn’t care. I played wildly with my daughter all day.

Exhausted, we sat on a rocking chair, eating ice cream. My daughter’s face was smeared with food, like a little kitten. I wiped her face. Suddenly, she said, “Mom, if you and Dad divorce, can I go with you?”

My actions stopped. I stared at her in astonishment. In that moment, I understood sincerity. One doesn't know pain until it strikes; the world rarely empathizes. But nature's law is cyclical; the boomerang always returns.

I said indifferently, “If you want to cry, don’t cry in front of me. It’s annoying. I want to sleep.” Joaquin, with a sense of injustice, wiped his tears and ran to his daughter’s room. Soon, he emerged, dejected. His daughter hadn’t been kind.

I moved my neck and continued discussing the specifics of my divorce with the lawyer. Over the years, Joaquin and I had accumulated substantial profits. Though I wasn’t in the forefront, I had considerable stocks and funds in my and my daughter’s names. Dividing them would be troublesome.