Chapter 16
The afternoon was warm and quiet when Tom arrived at Kim's house, carrying some groceries and flowers he had decided to buy at the last minute. It was a simple surprise, but he knew she loved these little displays of affection. However, as he approached the entrance, he noticed something strange. Kim was on the couch in the living room, visibly dejected, staring into space with an expression that mixed sadness and frustration.
He entered silently, put the bags in the kitchen and went to her.
"Kim? Is everything okay?" he asked, sitting down next to her and placing his hand gently on hers.
Kim looked at him with slightly red eyes and tried to smile, but she couldn't hide the hurt in her expression.
"Oh, Tom... I had a horrible argument with Kanye. It was... exhausting."
Tom sighed, nodding slightly, already imagining the situation. He knew her relationship with Kanye was complex, especially when it came to their children.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" — he asked, his tone calm and welcoming, giving her the space she needed to open up.
She took a deep breath and began to vent.
"He showed up out of nowhere, wanting to talk about the kids. And of course I understand, he's their father. But he started questioning the decisions I've been making with them... the way I raise them, even the activities they participate in. He was so... critical, you know? Like I wasn't being a good mother."
Tom held her hand firmly, conveying support without saying a word. He knew how dedicated she was to her children and how she did her best to provide the best education and care for them. It hurt to see her being questioned for that.
"I understand," he said softly. "And I know you try hard, Kim. You're an incredible mother, and anyone who spends time with you and the kids can see that."
Kim shook her head, looking relieved but still resentful.
"He knows I'm trying my best. But sometimes it feels like all he wants to do is argue. He's so obsessed with proving me wrong, like the choices I make are against him, when all I want is what's best for the kids."
Tom pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her and allowing her to rest against his shoulder. She sighed, feeling the comfort of his closeness.
"Look, Kim... I'm not a father, so I can't say I understand exactly what you're going through. But I can say that you deserve respect and recognition for what you do. You balance your public life with the privacy and well-being of your children. It's a complicated task, and you do it with such grace."
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a grateful gleam in her eyes.
"Thank you, Tom. Sometimes I feel like I need to hear that. You know... it's been hard, and you've been my rock through so many situations. I... I really appreciate you being here."
Tom gently stroked her cheek and smiled.
— I'll always be here for you. On good days and bad. You don't have to face this alone.
They remained silent for a moment, just enjoying each other's company. The tension in Kim seemed to slowly dissipate as Tom continued to stand there, simply present.
"Kanye mentioned something about us," she said after a few minutes, looking down at her hands. "He implied that I'm distracted, as if... as if my personal life was affecting my ability to be a mother. And that hurts, Tom. Because you know how dedicated I am to them. Do you think he's right?"
