After losing the court case, Sarah, with her daughter in tears, trudged toward the last train

Sarah sat at a long, cracked table in the stuffy courtroom, her fingers clenched on her lap so tightly that her nails dug into her skin. Before her, the judge in a black robe, dry and impassive, had processed hundreds of such cases. Across from her sat James, calm and composed, as if at a business meeting. His gray eyes showed nothing.

The judge looked up and spoke in an even tone: “The jointly acquired property shall be divided as follows. The car and the vacation home remain with the defendant, as they were purchased by his parents. The apartment goes to the defendant. The plaintiff receives personal belongings, the television, and the refrigerator. Custody of the minor child is awarded to the plaintiff.”

Sarah glanced at James. He didn’t flinch or object. The judge continued, but she stopped listening. A ringing filled her ears.

Twelve years of marriage, and this was the result: indifferent paperwork, a signature relinquishing their daughter. James signed the documents without hesitation.

“Done?” he asked, as if wrapping up a deal.

“Court is adjourned,” the judge nodded.

Sarah stood with difficulty, her legs heavy as lead. Her friend Lisa grabbed her arm. “Come on, Sarah!” Emily stood nearby, clutching her mom’s hand and glaring at her father with hurt.

“Dad, are you really leaving us?” she asked quietly, but James didn’t even glance her way…