Chapter Six: "The Distant Echo"
Andra had learned to stop expecting anything from Parker, but she couldn't stop feeling the weight of his absence. It was like living in a room with an open window, and every now and then, a breeze would blow through, reminding her that once, she'd expected something different from him.
Lately, there was more distance between them than ever before. He'd stopped coming by to visit Kingsley. When Andra texted him about money, there was always an excuse. And the only time she saw him was when he posted something online about his new gigs or his 'big dreams.'
But Andra had her own big dreams now.
The tutor sessions had become a steady rhythm, and she was more confident than ever in her ability to balance her life. The extra income was small, but it meant her son never went to bed hungry. She didn't need Parker for that.
Her classmates had noticed too. When Andra ran into Maya, one of her friends from school, she saw the surprise in her eyes.
"You're glowing, Andra," Maya said, eyeing her with a kind of disbelief. "When did you find time to get it all together?"
Andra shrugged, a modest smile tugging at her lips. "You just do. You learn to juggle."
Maya gave her a knowing look. "I didn't think you'd go back to school after having the baby. I admire that. You're stronger than I thought."
Andra's smile faltered for just a second. She was stronger than she ever thought too. But it wasn't easy.
Later that evening, she called her mom to ask about Kingsley's progress with his language development. Her mom's voice was warm as always, but Andra could hear the hint of concern.
"Parker doesn't visit as much anymore, does he?"
Andra swallowed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "No. He's busy with his new girlfriend, Janine. It's... complicated, Mom."
Her mom sighed. "Andra, you know I love you, but you have to let go of him. He's not the man you thought he was."
"I know," Andra whispered. "I really do."