“Hey. We're heading back. Is now a good time to pick up little Johnny?” Taylor asks as he starts the van.

“Yeah. He should be ready to go. But I thought you should know…” Maggie says before hesitating to say the rest.

“Should know what?” Taylor asks with a raised eyebrow, wondering if his son had started doing anything weird.

“Ugh… He's recently started calling me 'mommy'. I would've stopped him, but he's just a kid; seemed harmless.” Maggie says, finding the matter a little amusing.

“He what!” Sylvie exclaims from the passenger seat. “Give me the phone!” She yells, grabbing the phone out of Taylor’s hands. “What did you do to my son!?” She asks, righteous anger in her voice.

Maggie chuckles. “I didn’t do anything. I’ve been babysitting him during the day for most of the year. What do you expect?” She asks without a hint of guilt.

“You fucking bitch. Just wait till I get back there. First you take my husband and now you take my son. Bitch, just fucking wait till I reach the seventh stage!” Sylvie says, seething in anger.

“Okay!” Maggie exclaims, reluctant to continue the conversation. “I see you’re not in the state to have a proper conversation. I’ll see you guys when you get here. And Taylor? Call me later tonight.” She says with an amused chuckle.

“You fucking-” Sylvie tries to say before the call was abruptly ended. “Bitch!” Sylvie yells as she throws the phone out of the window. “Taylor, I swear to god, if you see that bitch later tonight, a coffin will be waiting for you at home.” She says with a stern glare, heavy with emotions.

Taylor raises his hands and says nothing. It was best not to provoke this beast at this moment; Taylor knew the consequences of doing so. After a moment passes, Sylvie lets out a hot breath, and Taylor attempts to carefully drive onto the road. I think I’m just going to give up sex. I’ll spend a few days meditating and reevaluating my life… Taylor thinks, making the decision to focus on cultivation for a while. Fuck, I’ve made a mess of my relationships. Is this what life is like for everyone? Taylor wonders, thinking about all the people who were forced to continue living with all the people they’ve had an affair with. Taylor sighs. The fun never stops at the act; no, you get to live with after. Unfortunately, animals are still animals in the end… He thinks, slightly amused.

Taylor tries to quiet his mind and drive ahead, attempting to enjoy the silence and the hum of the engine in the background. I don’t know when it started, but these in-between moments have started to become the most peaceful parts of my day… Taylor thinks, unable to help the slight feeling of depression. Taylor takes a glance at Sylvie’s angry face and he smiles. Who knows? Maybe it’s worth it? Taylor wonders with some hope.