I’m Jake, a 32-year-old father to a wonderful three-year-old girl named Allie. She’s the center of my world—my shadow, my sunshine, my bedtime-story buddy. Ever since she was born, we’ve shared a deep bond. My wife, Sarah, never seemed to mind… at first. But over time, Sarah started feeling left out. “She doesn’t love me like she loves you,” she once said. I tried encouraging her to get more involved, suggesting mommy-and-me classes, even stepping back a bit. But nothing seemed to ease her resentment. Then, one night, she hit me with something that left me stunned. “Jake,

I think you need to move out for a while. Just a week or two. Allie needs time with me—without you always around.” I was shocked. “She’s only three. She won’t understand.” But Sarah insisted. She wanted space to bond with our daughter—alone. Reluctantly, I agreed to a one-week break. I stayed at a friend’s place, calling Allie each night to hear her tiny voice ask, “Daddy, when are you coming home?” It broke my heart. On day five, I couldn’t take it anymore. I decided to surprise Allie with a Happy Meal—her favorite. I missed her smile too much. But when I got home, the surprise was on me. I walked in and found Sarah on the couch—laughing with her coworker,