By morning, I’d made my first real decision.
I was going back to work.
Dana helped me contact a childcare provider who might have openings for both girls.
My manager agreed to meet and discuss my return.
He offered three early shifts each week or longer evening hours.
I scheduled an appointment for Thursday.
Ryan promised to stay home with the twins while I went.
For the first time since the terminal, I allowed myself a little hope.
Then Ryan came downstairs one morning wearing an enormous smile.
“Great news! Holloway approved my transfer to a shore-based position.”
I stared at him.
“What?”
“No more months at sea. I’ll be working locally from now on.”
Mr. Holloway was his department manager, the person responsible for recommending the transfer.
Months earlier, I would have celebrated.
Now the announcement made my stomach drop.
I’d been relying on Ryan’s future absence to rebuild my independence.
