LYN

k

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

ngs. He knew before I even

fragile, sparked within me before Sean

hrough the bug, as cold as the Chicago wind. "Mom, you h

b. He was choosing anot

word from his mother on the other

napped, his voice sharp with irritation. "With her person

about the baby. He was worried about his publi

hand through the tears of every negative test. He knew this was my one, fragile miracle. And yet, the man I had promised

he words that would be burned

. 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 t

stomach. There was a life insid

for her, I

p clarity se

ed my palm against my stomach, imagining the fragil

would make sure he was the one