Charlie never expected his game of hide-and-seek with his brother Simon to uncover their parents’ secret. A single paper labeled “Divorce” abruptly ended their game and sparked a new mission: to save their parents’ marriage.

On a quiet Saturday, Simon, eleven, counted in front of the fridge while Charlie, nine, dashed upstairs to hide. He decided to try something new and squeezed behind their dad’s work table in the bedroom. As he settled in, he knocked over some papers. Hearing Simon call, “Ready or not, here I come!” Charlie froze, glancing at the scattered sheets.

When Simon entered and spotted his brother’s shoes, he exclaimed, “Found you!” But then Charlie noticed one paper and asked, “Simon, what’s a divorce?” Simon’s smile faded as he read the word. “It means Mom and Dad won’t be together anymore,” he replied, anxiety creeping in.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No! That can’t be true,” Charlie insisted. “They love each other!” Determined, Charlie declared, “We have to stop them!”

Simon hesitated. “But how? We’re just kids!” Charlie’s resolve was firm. “Who else can do it? We’re the only ones who know.”

Without thinking, Simon tore the divorce papers in half, believing that could erase the problem. When their parents, Lena and George, returned home, the brothers watched closely. The tension in the house was palpable.

George muttered, “I’ll get the papers.” Charlie’s heart sank. He knew those were the divorce papers they had found. He followed George upstairs, while Simon kept an eye on their mom, who seemed lost in thought.

As George rummaged for the papers, Charlie stealthily slipped away and dashed downstairs. When he saw George telling Lena, “I can’t find the papers,” Charlie jumped into action, dumping all the printer paper out of the window. Simon caught the sheets and tossed them into the trash.

Downstairs, George discovered the printer was empty. “We’re out of paper,” he said, surprised. Tensions rose as Lena snapped, “I thought we agreed on this!”

Listening from their hiding spots, the boys felt panic. George pleaded, “Lena, think about the kids. Doesn’t our family matter?”

Lena’s expression softened as George continued, “Love takes work. I want us to be happy again. Are you ready to try?”

After a moment, Lena replied, “I guess we can try… for the boys.” Relief washed over Simon and Charlie as they watched their parents embrace.

It became clear neither parent truly wanted the divorce; they just didn’t know how to reconnect—until now. As George whispered, “We’ll figure it out together,” Simon nudged Charlie with a grin. Their plan had worked!

Though rebuilding their relationship wouldn’t be easy, hope had returned. The boys understood that love required effort, and for now, they had saved their family.