𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠

my tears ricochet

**my tears ricochet**

It's been 5 years since Travis and I started sharing our lives together, and 2 years since he proposed to me. Lately, Travis has been distant. It's his last year as a professional player; he's retiring at the end of it. I'm going on tour soon, my last world tour—it's a bit like the Eras Tour Part 2, but this time with new songs.

I released my long-awaited new album, *Reputation (Taylor's Version)*, 3 years ago, and it remains one of the most streamed albums.

I'm working more and more to choose the songs for my setlist. I was thinking of keeping some classics but adding a few like "Getaway Car," "You're On Your Own, Kid," and "The Great War."

I let my 4-and-a-half-year-old daughter choose most of them.

"So Ivy, which one do you want to add from the *Lover* album?"

Of course, she can't read yet, but I play the chorus for her, and she recognizes it pretty quickly.

Ivy Marjorie Swift-Kelce, that's the name we decided to give her.

Travis is the best father a little girl could dream of having.

"Mommy, why do you and Daddy keep fighting? It scares me sometimes."

"Aww, sweetie, come here." I patted my knees to invite her over, and I picked her up to place her on my lap.

"You know, sometimes two adults can argue because they don't agree on something, but it has nothing to do with you, okay, sweetie?"

"Okay. When is Daddy coming home?"

"Soon, sweetie. Do you want to go play in the garden?"

"I want Daddy to come play with me." Seeing tears form in the corners of her eyes broke my heart. It's true that lately, Travis has been more absent than usual.

"I know, sweetie, I know."

Travis and I are going to have a real conversation about this because my mom's heart breaks a little more each time.

Around 7 PM, we heard the door open, and Ivy ran from the table towards him, with me getting up behind her.

"DADDYYYYY." I think even the neighbors could hear her.

"Hey Iv, how's my angel?"

"I missed you, I wanted to play with you."

"I know, sorry, work took longer than expected."

I moved closer to where the two of them were.

"Hi, babe." I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Ewwwww," Ivy shouted, looking at us as if she had seen something disgusting, which was probably the case.

We both laughed as we watched her run around, happy to see us together despite everything.

"How was work?"

"Very good, thank you."

Once at the table, Ivy told us about her day, which I already knew, of course.

"All right, big girl, it's time for bed," Travis announced to Ivy while checking his watch.

"Oh no, Daddy, please!!" Ivy pleaded.

I know Travis well enough to know he's going to give in.

"No, Ivy, off to bed. No negotiations." I answered in Travis's place.

"Strict mommy," she sighed dramatically. We know where she gets her dramatic side from.

I took her in my arms and helped her get ready for bed.