Lost in Plain Sight

27

Eric POV

The morning sun filtered through the blinds of my bungalow, casting a warm glow on the tidy living room. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night. Today was a new day, and I was determined to face it head-on. Dressed in my uniform, I was ready to head to work, leaving behind the mess of my personal life, at least for a few hours.

As I walked to my car, I noticed Maria, standing with the mailman near the office. Maria waved me over, a concerned look on her face. My heart sank. I knew Maria well enough to recognize when something was off.

"Good morning, Eric," Maria said as I approached. "The mailman has a registered letter for you."

I took the envelope, my hands trembling slightly. I thanked Maria and the mailman, then got into my car, the envelope sitting ominously on the passenger seat. I hesitated for a moment before tearing it open. My eyes scanned the document, my worst fears confirmed. It was about the custody of my kids, Thomas desperately trying to take my kids from me. The words blurred as I fought the urge to break down.

I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay composed. Crying wouldn't solve anything. I had to stay strong, for myself and for my children. I carefully folded the letter and put it in the glove box, trying to push the thoughts away as I drove towards the station.

Upon arriving, I forced a smile onto my face. I couldn't afford to be a burden to my colleagues. They had their own problems, and the last thing I wanted was to add to them. I walked into the station, my laughter ringing hollow as I joked with Koen, masking my turmoil with a facade of cheerfulness.

But then I saw Brigitte. She walked in, looking like she hadn't slept and had cried all night. Her eyes were puffy, her face drawn. My heart ached at the sight of her. When we were alone for a moment, I couldn't help but ask, "Brigitte, is everything alright? Did something happen with the kids?"

Her response was swift and harsh, cutting through my concern. "Everything's fine, Eric. Just focus on your job and leave me to handle the rest."

I was taken aback, the sting of her words deepening my sense of isolation. I had expected resistance, but her coldness was like a slap in the face. I wanted to push, to ask more, but the look in her eyes told me it was futile.

"Brigitte, I just want to make sure—"

"Stop it, Eric," she interrupted, her voice low and intense. "Just...stop. You don't get to swoop in and act like you care when it's convenient for you. Just do your job."

The tension between us was palpable, a silent battle of wills. I clenched my jaw, swallowing the retort that bubbled up. Now wasn't the time or place. I nodded curtly and walked away, my mind swirling with a thousand thoughts.

As the day dragged on, I struggled to keep my emotions in check. The registered letter, Brigitte's harshness, the fear of losing my children—it all threatened to overwhelm me. But I pressed on, putting one foot in front of the other, determined to fight for my family, no matter how difficult it might be.

Back at my desk, I pulled out my phone and looked at the pictures from our walk the previous day. Brent, Luna, and Ella smiling and laughing. That was what I was fighting for. With a renewed sense of purpose, I made a silent vow to myself. I wouldn't let this break me. I would fight for my kids, for my right to be in their lives, and for the family I still hoped to rebuild.

As I dove into my work, I knew that the real battle was just beginning. But I was ready. I had to be. For my kids, and for myself.

The day dragged on with Brigitte maintaining an icy silence, her demeanor colder and more distant than ever. I tried to focus on my work, but her cold shoulder was like a constant reminder of the storm brewing over our family. I hoped she would eventually open up, but every attempt to reach out was met with a brick wall.