Dani and Nathan were once high-school sweethearts filled with hope for a lifetime of happiness. But after two years of marriage, everything changed. Nathan became a different person.
Dani couldn’t quite understand why Nathan had transformed, but she had a hunch it had something to do with the arrival of their baby girl, Ellie. Although Nathan was a loving father, he started to nitpick and belittle Dani’s appearance, constantly criticizing her.
“You’ve let yourself go, Dani,” he would say. “You need to take care of yourself. How can we keep the spark alive if you look frumpy all the time?”
To make matters worse, Nathan accused Dani of neglecting Ellie, despite her working from home and spending ample time with their daughter. The constant criticism and lack of appreciation took a toll on Dani, and no matter what she did, Nathan was never satisfied.
Feeling the weight of their failing marriage, Dani made the difficult decision to let go. She couldn’t fight against something that existed solely in Nathan’s mind. When Nathan informed her of a job opportunity that required them to move, Dani hoped it might bring positive changes to their relationship. Little did she know, it would only uncover a painful truth.
Ellie started attending a new school, but Dani noticed a change in her daughter’s demeanor. Ellie often came home upset and, on one occasion, Dani found her crying in her room. Concerned, she asked Ellie what was wrong.
“I don’t want Miss Allen to be my mother! I want you to be my mother!” Ellie sobbed.
