Elliot's mind was racing with what he would tell Kathy. He had obviously already told her that he loved Olivia the previous night when she was bombarding him with questions. He had lashed out in frustration when she wouldn't let up with the "Is everything okay?" and "You're never in the mood for anything" and "Did you cheat on me with Olivia."

But today was a new day. He would apologize for lashing out and then leaving her and the kids but he would explain himself. Kathy was an understanding, compassionate and kind person, some of the many qualities Elliot had been drawn to in the first place. She'd understand, right? But the kids! Elliot slammed his hand down on the steering wheel and fought the tears that were threatening to spill over. He had to focus on the road and then he'd deal with all of this once he got home.

Elliot pulled into the driveway and sat in his car for a minute. "Sure you walked out on Kathy last night but you're back, you're strong, you're a man. You're facing the situation head on," he thought to himself. He was embarrassed for how he had acted and wanted to deal with this like a mature adult without taking the easy way out and walking away. Elliot took a deep breath and then headed on inside.

"Kathy, I need to talk to you," he said setting his suitcase aside. He was expecting the sound of television and rambunctious children to greet him but it was eerily silent. "Kathy?" Elliot called but still, there was no answer. He checked the living room but the TV was off and his kids weren't lounging around. Elliot went upstairs and after looking in the kid's rooms and his and Kathy's, Elliot realized: Kathy had left and she had taken the children with her. He slowly sat down on the bed, different emotions hitting him all at once. Sadness, surprise, anger...but why was he angry? He had walked out on them last night. Why should he care that Kathy left when Elliot was no better? "This is what you deserve. Don't be such a hypocrite," Elliot whispered to himself. But the self-lecture was no use. He still felt abandoned and betrayed.

Elliot sat there for a moment when he noticed something on the dresser. Curious, he walked over and saw that it was a note.

Elliot,
The kids and I are going to my parents' house and I don't know when we will be back.
Even though I am hurt, I am not surprised that you love Olivia. However, right now I need time away. I need my parents' support right now and it'll be good for the kids to spend time with their grandparents.
I'll keep in touch.
- Kathy

Elliot only realized he was crying when a single teardrop fell onto the piece of paper he held in his hand. He wiped his face and set the letter aside. He missed his family so bad, even Kathy. He took out his cellphone and called her.

"Dad?" Elliot recognized Kathleen's voice on the other end and he smiled.

"Kathleen, how are you honey?"

"I mean, I could be better. Mom says you're probably going to get a divorce. Is that true?" Elliot raised his eyebrows. At least he didn't have to spring that on her.

"Kathleen, sometimes couples fall out of love and I guess that's what happened with us." Elliot's daughter didn't respond. "Are you okay?"

"No dad, I'm not okay."

"I'm sorry, Kathleen. I love you, you know that right?"

"Yeah." Elliot smiled.

"That's my girl. How are Dickie and Lizzie? What do they know?"

"Mom just told them you two are fighting. They're not surprised, you're always fighting. They're having fun here at grandma and grandpa's."

"That's good. When did you guys get there?"

"Late last night. Mom wanted to talk to you but you didn't answer. Where did you go?"

"I just had to get out of the house but I came home this morning. Listen, I'm really sorry for everything, Kat. I love all of you, so much, and I will always love your mom."

"I love you, too."

"Have your brother and sister call me later, alright?"

"Ok." Elliot was about to hang up before Kathleen stopped him. "And dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Mom says she'll always love you, too." Elliot smiled sadly, tears filling his eyes.

"Thank you," he whispered and hung up the phone. He considered calling Olivia or going back over to her place but decided against it. Instead, he changed clothes and went to the gym; exercising always helped ease his stress and this was definitely a stressful time.