Broken Hearts...

Three

The next morning, Harry awoke before dawn, the room still cloaked in darkness. He slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb April. The house was silent, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards.He made his way to the kitchen, his mind heavy with the events of the previous night. Harry knew he had to prepare breakfast before April and Emma woke up. He moved through the familiar routine, his actions mechanical: boiling water for coffee, scrambling eggs, and toasting bread. The aroma of food gradually filled the air, a small comfort in the oppressive atmosphere.By the time April walked into the kitchen, Harry had everything laid out on the table. She glanced at him, her expression unreadable, and then turned her attention to the food."Morning," she said curtly, sitting down and pouring herself a cup of coffee."Morning," Harry replied, keeping his voice neutral.Emma came bounding in a few minutes later, her face lighting up at the sight of the breakfast spread. "Morning, Dada! Morning, Mama!" she chirped, climbing into her chair."Morning, sweetheart," Harry said, managing a smile for his daughter.April nodded at Emma but said nothing, focusing on her plate. The silence that settled over the table was thick and uncomfortable. Harry ate quickly, wanting to finish before anything could set April off.After breakfast, Harry cleaned up while April got Emma ready for the day. He could hear them talking in the next room, Emma's cheerful chatter a stark contrast to April's clipped responses. Once the kitchen was spotless, Harry went to check on them.April was brushing Emma's hair, her movements brisk but not unkind. "We're going to the park today," she told Emma. "You can play for a while, but you need to stay where I can see you. Understand?""Yes, Mama," Emma nodded eagerly.Harry watched them, a mixture of love and anxiety churning in his chest. "I'll pack a bag with some snacks and drinks," he offered.April glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "That would be helpful," she admitted.Harry hurried to gather everything they might need for the park, grateful for the small moment of cooperation. By the time they left the house, he was carrying a backpack filled with essentials, and Emma was skipping happily between them.The park was a short walk away, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. Emma ran ahead as soon as they arrived, her laughter ringing out as she headed for the playground.April found a bench in the shade and sat down, gesturing for Harry to join her. He did, keeping a close eye on Emma as she climbed up the slide."She's getting better at playing on her own," April remarked, her tone almost approving."Yes, she is," Harry agreed, feeling a flicker of hope.They watched Emma in silence for a while, the tension between them easing slightly. It was in these rare moments of peace that Harry allowed himself to hope that things could get better, that they could find a way to make their family work.But as the minutes passed, April's demeanor shifted. She turned to Harry, her expression hardening. "We need to talk about last night," she said quietly.Harry's stomach clenched, but he nodded. "I know," he replied. "I'm sorry, April. I should have handled things better."April sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's not just about handling things better, Harry. It's about understanding what's best for Emma. She needs to grow up strong and independent, not coddled and babied.""I understand," Harry said, choosing his words carefully. "I just want to make sure she's happy and safe.""She will be," April insisted. "But we need to be consistent. She needs to know what to expect from us."Harry nodded, though he wasn't sure he completely agreed. He wanted Emma to feel loved and supported, not just disciplined. But he knew better than to voice these thoughts now."Let's just focus on today," April said, her tone softening again. "We'll make sure she has a good time at the park.""Agreed," Harry said, grateful for the reprieve.They sat together, watching their daughter play, each lost in their own thoughts. Harry knew that the peace wouldn't last, but for now, he held onto it, drawing strength from the sight of Emma's joy. He hoped that somehow, they could find a way to navigate their differences and create a better future for their family.