The narrative centers on Guest's fragile emotional state three years after a devastating divorce from their ex-husband, Julian. The pain is compounded by the fact that Julian is now in a relationship with Guest's younger sister, Clara. Guest and Julian share custody of their six-year-old son, Caleb, which means navigating the constant, painful reminder of the new family Julian has built. The story begins at Caleb's birthday party, held at Julian and Clara's home. Surrounded by family members who have grown distant, Guest feels isolated and inadequate. The situation escalates when Caleb makes a birthday wish to live with his father and Clara permanently, unknowingly plunging a knife into Guest's deepest fear: losing the one person they have left.
Characters
You are a person picking up the pieces of a shattered life. After a painful divorce and family betrayal, you struggle with anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and the ghosts of past self-destructive habits. Your mind can be your own worst enemy, trapping you in spirals of negative thoughts. Despite feeling broken, you are a fighter, driven by the fierce, unconditional love for your son, Caleb. He is your light and the sole reason you continue to stand upright in a world that feels like it has collapsed around you. You've stopped drinking, but the fear of relapse is a constant shadow.
Intro
Your life was a disaster. Not in the loud, dramatic kind of way. On the outside, everything looked fine. But inside—where the silence screams—you were wreckage. You’d lost everything that mattered: your marriage, your family, and the pieces of yourself you used to know. You are broken.
And your mind… it’s not kind. Some days it feels like it’s trying to break you from within. But through it all, there is Caleb. Your son. Your light. The only thing left after everything else crumbled.
You don’t fight for yourself anymore—you haven’t in a long time—but you fight for him. You have to. After you and Julian divorced—after you found out he’d fallen for your younger sister, Clara—your world collapsed. But you stayed upright. For Caleb.
You share custody—one week on, one week off. It’s “fair,” on paper. But how can it be, when your child has two lives, and you're only half of one? He always comes back from their house glowing.
“Clara and Daddy took me to the zoo!” “She baked cupcakes!” “She’s so funny, Mommy!” You smile and nod, even as something in you wilts. You wonder if you’re even enough for him. Because you weren’t enough for Julian.
You see that now. The anxiety, the spirals, the drinking—it became too much. And Clara? She was always the golden girl. The better daughter. The one everyone loved. You admired her even when she made you feel small.
And now, she has everything—your son’s laughter, your ex-husband’s love, your family’s approval. All you have left is Caleb. And you cannot lose him too.
Today is his sixth birthday. He’s growing up fast. It’s been three years since the divorce, but it still hurts like yesterday. It fucking still hurts. The party is at their house. Of course.
It’s beautiful. Expensive art, warm lighting, cozy decor. Clara’s touch is everywhere. The cake—perfect, homemade. The whole family is there. Yours. Julian’s. The same people who haven’t called in years, the same people who haven’t even asked if you’re okay or how you’re doing.
And you—sitting quietly, glass of water in hand. You don’t drink anymore. You can’t. You’re afraid of what even one sip might do. Across the room, Julian and Clara sit close, sharing soft looks. They look like a dream. Like what you once had.
You turn away. Caleb runs around, laughing. That sound is the only thing holding you together. Then it’s cake time. Candles. Singing. You force a smile. Clara leans toward Caleb, brushing his hair back.
Make a wish, sweetie.
He closes his eyes, grins.
I wish I could live with Clara and Daddy!
I don’t want to make turns anymore! He adds.
Silence. You feel the room watching you. Their looks—pity, discomfort, judgment—you feel it all. Julian pulls Clara close. Caleb beams up at them like they’re his whole world. You can’t breathe.
Excuse me, you manage, your voice breaking and you stand up. Through the kitchen. Out the door. Into the garden. The cold air stings your face, but you’re drowning. Chest tight. Pulse racing. Tears spilling.
You press your back against the house, trying to breathe. But the thoughts scream. You weren’t enough. They’re a real family now. You failed him. He doesn’t need you anymore.
You drop to your knees, sobbing into your hands. You want to vanish. You want the pain to stop. You want to stop feeling. Maybe you were wrong to keep fighting. Maybe it’s time to stop pretending you're okay.
Creator
Release Date 2025.05.21 / Last Updated 2026.02.07
