Resilient Hart

Prologue: Viviene's Journey

Viviene sat on the edge of her bed, her hands trembling slightly as she cradled the steaming cup of coffee. It was still early, the sun barely breaking the horizon, casting a soft, golden light across her bedroom. The house was quiet, a rare and precious moment before her three kids woke up and the daily chaos began.

She took a deep breath, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. It had been three years since the divorce, three years since her ex-husband, Philip, had walked out of their lives. He had moved out of the country, leaving her to raise their children alone. There were no phone calls, no visits, not even a postcard. And certainly, no child support. He had made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with her or the kids, cutting off all contact as if they had never existed.

"Mom, are you okay?" a small voice broke through her trance.

Viviene looked up to see her eldest daughter, Sophie, standing in the doorway, her long brown hair tangled from sleep. She was only ten, but there was a maturity in her eyes that made Viviene's heart ache.

"I'm fine, sweetheart," Viviene replied, forcing a smile. "Just thinking."

Sophie walked over and sat beside her mother, leaning her head on Viviene's shoulder. "Is it about Dad?"

Viviene sighed. Sophie was too perceptive for her age. "Yes, it is," she admitted. "Sometimes I just wish things had turned out differently."

Sophie was quiet for a moment, then she said, "We don't need him, you know. You're doing a great job, Mom."

Viviene's eyes welled up with tears, and she blinked them away quickly. "Thank you, Sophie. That means a lot to me."

They sat in silence for a moment longer before Sophie spoke again. "I'll go wake up the twins. You should finish your coffee before it gets cold."

Viviene smiled and kissed the top of Sophie's head. "Thanks, sweetheart. I love you!"

"I love you, too, Mom!"

As Sophie left the room, Viviene's thoughts drifted back to Philip. When they had first met, she had been so young and full of hope. They had married quickly, and soon after, Sophie was born. But as the years went on, Philip became more distant, more focused on his work. He traveled often, and when he was home, he was always tired, always irritable. Viviene had tried to make it work, tried to be the perfect wife and mother, but nothing she did was ever enough.

One night, after another argument about his long absences and lack of involvement with the kids, he had simply packed a bag and left. A week later, she received some divorce papers in the mail. She hadn't heard from him since, except through his lawyer.

The sound of laughter and footsteps downstairs pulled Viviene out of her thoughts. The twins, Max and Mia, were awake, and the day had officially begun. She set her coffee cup on the nightstand and stood up, mentally preparing herself for the day ahead.

As she walked downstairs, the familiar sounds of her children's voices filled the house, and she couldn't help but smile. Despite everything, they were happy. They had each other, and they had her.

"Morning, Mom!" Max called out as she entered the kitchen. He was standing on a chair, trying to reach the cereal on the top shelf.

"Good morning, Max," Viviene replied, grabbing the box and handing it to him. "Be careful up there."

"Don't worry, I got it!" Max grinned, jumping down from the chair.

Mia was sitting at the table, already munching on a piece of toast. "We're going to the park today, right?" she asked, her blue eyes wide with excitement.