INE

k

est two days ago, hiding the positive stick deep in the bathroom

ngs. He knew before I even

fragile, sparked within me before Shan

voice as cold as the Chicago wind. "Mom, you have t

b. He was choosing anot

mother's words, but I co

snapped, his voice sharp with irritation. "With her perso

about the baby. He was worried about his publi

h. The man I had promised to spend my life with was on the

he words that would be burned

d. An unfortunate slip on wet rocks, maybe a fall... Doctors will call it a tragic, early-term miscarriage

d the earbuds out, throwing them o

me. This wasn't just an affair. This wasn't just betray

haking violently. My husband, the

carpet as I fought for oxygen, my hands flying down to cover my lower belly in pure, despera

out of here.

and, but my l

ds here, no family. I had given

heard the stu

beating. He was d

ng under the covers and pulling t

use at the bedroom door.

that held no warmth, only assessment. He was sizing

eternity. I could hear the fra

d left, closing the d

asping for air, my nightg

time, I understood that what separated us

d know I knew everything. And a man tha

I had to be the "stupid, easy to

stomach. There was a life insid

for her, I

p clarity se

ed my palm against my stomach,imagining the fragile

would make sure he was the one