Chapter 9: This is War
[~Song Recommendation: Out of Reach by Gabrielle~]
As Duncan moved deeper into the store and disappeared from view, Cammy quietly followed, pretending to browse through the racks like a regular customer.
Curiosity drove her to find out what he was doing there, of all places. Duncan had never personally bought anything for Dylan when he was a baby—or for the twins. He would simply give her money and tell her to get whatever their children needed.
At first, it hurt her, making it seem as though he had no interest in being involved in the little things that shaped their children's lives. But her mother assured her that many men are like that—they're clueless when it comes to babies and don't know what to do.
Her mother also said that men often bond more with their children once they're a bit older. Cammy clung to the hope that when Dylan grew big enough to play "big boy games" with his father, Duncan would finally show interest. But that day never came.
He remained detached from the basic needs of their son, especially when it came to offering emotional support. Cammy wished he would at least play with Dylan the way her father used to spend time with her when she was young, but Duncan always kept his distance.
For years with Duncan, Cammy convinced herself that it was fine—she could be the emotional support their children needed while Duncan focused on providing financially for the family.
But deep down, it never felt quite right. It was never enough...
She overheard Duncan talking to a saleslady. "Do you have this in other colors?" he asked.
Curious, Cammy peeked and saw him holding a set of white onesies with matching mittens and socks. Doubt crept in—maybe he wasn't buying them as a sentimental keepsake for their deceased twins after all.
"We have green, pink, yellow, blue, and gray. Which ones would you like, sir?" the saleslady responded.