12/17/2024
MY HUSBAND TOLD ME HE WAS ON A BUSINESS TRIP OUT OF TOWN — UNTIL OUR SON NOTICED HIM HIDING IN OUR NEIGHBOR'S BASEMENT.
Eric left Monday for a week-long business trip. "See you Friday, babe," he said, planting a kiss on my forehead. Everything seemed normal.
But a few days later, during breakfast, my 7-year-old son casually dropped this bomb: "Mom, why is Dad living in Mrs. Jenkins' basement?"
I froze. "What did you say?"
Max, totally unfazed: "I saw him yesterday. I was riding my bike past her house, and Dad was sneaking into her basement. I waved, but he didn't wave back."
I laughed it off, told myself Max was mistaken, but it gnawed at me all day. By the evening, I couldn't ignore it. After putting Max to bed, I grabbed my coat and flashlight and headed to Mrs. Jenkins' house.
Her house was dark, except for a faint glow in the basement. My heart pounded as I peeked through the small window.
There he was — Eric. Sitting on an old couch like he lived there.
I didn't think. I yanked open the side door, stormed down the stairs, and shouted, "Eric! What the hell is going on?!" ⬇️