The Secret Under the Tree

The children didn't understand what was happening.

They were simply happy their father had returned.

One boy held Ethan's hand.

The other showed him the Christmas tree.

“Look, Dad! Grandma let us put the star on top.”

Ethan smiled.

“It looks perfect.”

Claire watched them.

She wanted to hate him.

She had every reason to.

But seeing him with the boys made something inside her hurt.

He hadn't changed much.