It’s magic—the kind of bond every father dreams of.

My wife, Sarah, didn’t say much at first. But over time, I noticed her pulling away. One night, after putting Allie to bed, she sat me down. “Jake,” she said seriously, “I need you to move out for a few weeks.”

I stared at her, stunned. “Why?”

“Allie needs to bond with me,” she explained. “And she can’t do that if you’re always here.”

I was speechless. “She’s just three. She won’t understand why I’m suddenly gone.”

“She’ll be fine,” Sarah insisted. “I need this.”

It felt wrong, but after a long argument, we compromised. I’d leave for just one week, and I could tell Allie I was helping a friend. I moved in with Mike, my