A Night to Remember: A Prequel to Among the Fallen Angels

I left the babysitter at home with my three daughters. Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Leah were my everything, and I was nervous to leave them without their parents for the first time. My wife, Shannon, and I needed a date night desperately. After having triplets 3 years ago, all of our time and energy was spent raising our children, and we had no time to think about ourselves. We had reserved a table for two at the fanciest restaurant in town, The Algonquin, and have been waiting for weeks. Shannon and I had become more distant lately, yet I couldn’t figure out the reason. Could it be working overtime at my job? Not being a good enough father to my children? Unsatisfying sex? No matter the reason, tonight it would be solved. We sat down at the table, and we caught up more than we ever had in our 8 year marriage. We were able to enjoy each other for one night, uninterrupted by the sound of tears and the stench of diapers. For one night, everything was perfect. This night reminded me of the past, before our kids, when we spent nights out together more often. I love my children, and I wouldn’t change a thing in the world, but sometimes I need some time with my wife. Shannon looked nervous, and I asked her what’s wrong. As if she could read my mind, she talked about how we’ve been a little more distant recently. I agreed with her, and was ready for her to suggest how we can get through this together. She looked at me, tears in her eyes. I smiled and told her everything was going to be alright. As the waiter came to the table to give us the check, Shannon pushed some papers over to me. Divorce papers. I was heartbroken, my wife of 8 years and my best friend terminated our holy bond. This brought me into a deep depression. I remembered all of this among the fallen angels, a night that I could never forget. A night to remember.