Four years ago, Maggie’s husband, Jason, went missing during a solo hike, leaving behind only his dog, Scout, and a faded promise to return. The search teams eventually declared him dead, and Maggie, though heartbroken, moved on, raising their two children, Benny and Emily, while keeping Jason’s memory alive with small reminders around the house.

One day, while relaxing in the yard, Maggie was stunned to see Scout return, looking scruffy and thin, with Jason’s green jacket in his mouth. Driven by a mixture of hope and disbelief, Maggie followed the dog deep into the forest, eventually arriving at a secluded cabin. Inside, she found Jason, unkempt and living with another woman, Sarah. He explained that he had chosen to leave, seeking freedom in nature and abandoning his old life.

Devastated, Maggie realized the man she once loved was gone. Jason showed no remorse, even as Sarah harshly dismissed Maggie’s concerns. With a heavy heart, Maggie left, knowing that Jason’s decision was final.

The next day, she filed for divorce, seeking financial support for her children. Though the process was painful, Maggie knew she needed to move on, focusing on her kids and a future without Jason. The clarity brought her peace.