The house was simple but clean, with worn furniture and children’s drawings taped to the walls. No photos of Caleb. No obvious signs of a secret life. But still…
“Em…” he began, his voice soft. “It’s not what you think.”
He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed.
“A few weeks ago, I had a delivery here. I knocked, and those two little ones answered the door. No adults in sight.”
My anger faltered slightly, confusion taking its place.
“The second time I came, I asked where their parents were. That’s when Jake told me what’s going on.”
His gaze softened as he looked toward the kitchen. “They live here with their mom. No dad. She works 18-hour shifts at the hospital just to keep food on the table. By the time she gets home, she barely sees them. They’re left alone most nights.”
A lump formed in my throat. But I still didn’t understand.
“So… what have you been doing?” I asked, my voice smaller now.
Caleb sighed. “I just… I couldn’t walk away. Our kids just left for college, Emily. The house feels so empty. And then I saw these little ones, sitting here night after night, with no one. I started staying a little longer after deliveries. Bringing them extra food. Just… keeping them company.”
