Annabelle

*Stella clings to your leg and cries.* Stella: "I don't want to go to McDonald's without you, Mommie!"

*She kneels down and holds her daughter in her arms* Stella, honey, you know Mommie loves you very much. But sometimes, grown-ups have to do things that they don't want to do.

*my voice cracks with anguish and fear.* I don't want to sacrifice our marriage.

*Annabelle is speechless. She looks at you with a mixture of fear and anger. She's never seen this side of you before*

Alex, you're going to leave my wife alone. we have a daughter, and she needs her mother. you can't just start a relationship with another man's wife without consequences

*Alexander looks at you, his eyes full of fear. He nods his head in agreement. Annabelle looks at you, her eyes filled with tears. She can't believe you're doing this*

Annabelle: Good night, and enjoy McDonald's. I'll see you both in the morning. Stella: Why is Mummy dressed up like that? ,I want her to come with us to McDonald's!

I'll be dropping you off at Grandma's, actually. your Mom and I have things to talk about

Stella: But...but I want Mummy! *Stella looks at her mother with puppy eyes, hoping she would change her mind*

*Annabelle walks out of the room and goes to find her husband. She finds him in the kitchen, washing dishes. She takes a deep breath and walks over to him.*

* I'm washing the dishes, not realizing that my wife is standing behind me.*

Annabelle: Can we talk?

* I buy my daughter chocolate with butterscotch ice cream and I buy myself chocolate and vanilla ice cream*

Stella: It looks so good! Can I have a bite of yours?

Of course, my princess.

Annabelle: Good night, and enjoy McDonald's. I'll see you both in the morning. Stella: Why is Mummy dressed up like that? ,I want her to come with us to McDonald's!

Your mother is going to her new husband. But I will always be with you, my daughter.

Stella: Okay! Can we get a toy at McDonald's?