The next few weeks were a repetitive pattern, my dad would get me ready for daycare, I would play with Bash, and my dad would pick me up from daycare. However, there was a new routine, instead of heading home after daycare, my dad would take me over to Cameron's house. Cameron and my dad had formed a close friendship, much to Me and Bash's benefit.

"Bash, stop tickling me!" I exclaimed through fits of laughter, unsure if it was due to the humor or sheer torture. "Never, Gem!" Bash replied, his laughs echoing mine. "Your laughter is the prettiest thing I have ever heard!" Bash's laughter was contagious, and I struggled to catch my breath. Finally, he stopped tickling me, unleashing a wave of relief that swept over me. I sucked in air, grateful for the tickling torture to be over. We shared a joyous moment, laughing and giggling together. It was during these occasions that our friendship truly blossomed, filled with endless laughter and heartwarming memories. Every day with Bash was an adventure, and our bond only grew stronger with each shared giggle.

"Let's play some soccer, Gem!" Bash suggested,
I eagerly agreed, and we raced out to the backyard. The grass was a perfect field for our game. Bash grabbed a small ball, and we started kicking it back and forth, giggling and laughing as we ran after it. We were playing more like a team than opponents, making sure to keep the ball from reaching the goal. As we played, our competitive spirit fueled our joy.

Everything was going great. Bash was holding me tight, our connection apparent in our embrace. "Gem, it's time to go," my dad called. I hadn't even realized he'd stepped outside. "Coming!" I shouted over my shoulder. Glancing back at Bash, he was still holding me, his smile warm. "Are you coming tomorrow?" he asked. "Of course I am!" I replied with a smile. We shared one last hug before I followed my father home.

Just as we entered our house, my dad came to a sudden halt, gazing at something – or rather, someone. I followed his gaze and found my mother standing there. She had a warm smile on her face and spoke, "Hi, Gem, I've really missed you!" I should have been excited to see her, but a strange sadness weighed on me. I knew her return would mean the return of the fights between my parents, and I wouldn't get to see Bash as often.

My mom approached me to hug me, but my dad stepped between us and said firmly, "We need to talk." My mom seemed surprised by my dad's firm tone, her eyes wide open. Though she said nothing, she nodded, and they retreated to the living room.

I stood there, not curious about what they were discussing. I had never been one to pry into matters that didn't concern me. Sometimes, ignorance truly is bliss. For a moment, I felt lost, unsure of what to do or say. I took a seat on the couch waiting for the conversation to finish. I heard a few murmurs coming from the living room but I couldn't make out what was being said, I wondered why my dad was so stern with my mom. I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt as the uncertainty and discomfort settled upon me.

I continued sitting on the couch, the tension in the air palpable. The conversation between my dad and mom in the living room continued, the voices occasionally rising. It was so hard to resist the temptation to listen in, and part of me wanted to go and join them. However, something deep within me told me that leaving them to it was better. I trusted my dad, and I knew he had my best interests at heart, same with my mom although she had a weird way of showing it. I just had to wait this out. So I remained on the couch,
the ticking of the clock echoing throughout the room My dad emerged from the living room. He looked at me and said, "Gem, let's go to your room. We need to talk."

I took a moment to stand up before reluctantly moving toward my room. The journey up the stairs felt even longer than usual, each step like a heavy weight. As we sat down, my dad held my hand firmly. "I'm sure you've noticed that your mom and I have been fighting a lot lately, and I know it's probably scary and stressful for you," he said, pausing to observe me.
"You know how Bash's mom and dad live in different houses?" The realization dawned on me, and I asked hesitantly, "You and mom are gonna live in different houses too...right?" My dad looked surprised, his expression hinting that he hadn't expected me to comprehend everything so soon. I had known that my parents fought often, and despite my young age, I had pieced together the situation.

"Yes, Gem," he sighed, "mom is going to move out. She won't be far away, and you'll still spend weekends with her, while spending weekdays with me." I sobbed uncontrollably, the tears welling up in my eyes and streaming down my cheeks. My chest heaved with each anguished breath, my body wracked with spasms as the force of my emotions overwhelmed me. My dad pulled me tightly into his arms, holding me as I convulsed with tears. "Shh, shh, it's going to be okay," he murmured, his voice thick with soothing comfort. He began rubbing my back in a gentle, circular motion, the repetitive movement meant to bring me some measure of calm, but it was no help.

As I continued to cry, I felt my dad's embrace tighten around me, his arms enveloping me in a warm and protective embrace. He rocked me gently, whispering soothing words to me, attempting to comfort me. "It's alright, Gem," he murmured, his voice a low and soothing rumble. "It's okay to cry. Just let it all out. I'm here, and I'll always be here for you, you have nothing to worry about." slowly he was able to calm my sobs, my cries slowly subsiding into quiet hiccups. I slowly started drifting off to sleep.

As I drifted off to sleep, a multitude of thoughts swirled through my weary mind. I thought about Bash and how long the weekends would feel without him. I thought about my mom and the new life that awaited her in her new home. But most of all, I thought about my dad and the security and love he always provided me, even in the midst of the uncertain times ahead. With those thoughts in my head, I surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

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Having to witness your parents getting a divorce is really sad and hard..
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