Chapter 15 - ALEX WITHOUT A UNIFORM
Alex lost his job officially two weeks later.
The department cited serious deviation from triage protocol, conflict of interest during active rescue, and conduct related to alteration of an incident report.
His union appealed part of the decision.
He eventually withdrew the appeal.
Diane told me he sold his motorcycle.
Not because he needed money.
Because Valerie had loved riding on it.
That sounded like a man trying to remove a version of himself.
Valerie moved back to London.
She sent no goodbye.
Alex moved into a small apartment.
Started counseling.
Then enrolled in emergency-management coursework.
I heard these details through Diane.
I did not ask.
That mattered too.
My life was becoming about the baby again.
At thirty-two weeks, my obstetrician smiled during ultrasound.
“She looks excellent.”
I cried.
The doctor pretended not to notice.
Our daughter weighed almost four pounds.
Strong heartbeat.
Good movement.
She kicked the ultrasound probe twice.
Rachel said.
“She already hates authority.”
I laughed.
We named her Grace.
Not because anything about the year had been graceful.
Because grace was what I wanted to keep without confusing it with permission.
I allowed Alex to attend one prenatal appointment.
He sat in the corner.
No touching me.
No pretending we were still married.
When Grace’s heartbeat filled the room, Alex covered his face.
Afterward, he said.
“Thank you.”
I nodded.
Nothing more.
He asked again about the birth.
This time, I answered.
“You can come to the hospital.”
“But Rachel will be with me in delivery.”
“You can meet Grace afterward.”
Pain crossed his face.
Then he nodded.
“Okay.”
May you like
No argument.
Boundaries become easier to trust when they survive disappointment.
