After the birth of their fifth daughter, Matthew filed for divorce, blaming his wife Anne for not giving him a son. Though he moved out emotionally, he continued living in the same house, neglecting their daughters and behaving like a single man. When Anne reconnected with Harry, a kind school friend, she finally saw a future beyond Matthew’s rejection and chaos.
Encouraged by Harry’s support and kindness, Anne left Matthew and moved into Harry’s home with her daughters. A judge later awarded her full custody and ownership of the family home due to Matthew’s irresponsible behavior. Over time, Anne and Harry fell in love, married, and had a son named Alan. Harry became a loving father figure to all the girls, giving the family the stability and affection they’d never had.
Years later, while shopping at the mall, Anne ran into Matthew — now working at a pretzel stand. She barely recognized him. Gone was the man who once walked out on his family over gender disappointment. Ashamed and struggling, Matthew asked to sell their old house for money. Anne, choosing grace over resentment, agreed to share the proceeds even though she was entitled to keep it all.
Despite reaching out to see his daughters, none wanted a relationship with him. They had moved on, finding real love and support in Harry. Matthew, who once chased a superficial ideal, was left behind — a cautionary tale of what’s lost when love is conditional.