Chapter 8: The Appointment He Missed
Three weeks later, I went to my daughter's ultrasound alone.
The same appointment Alex had promised he wouldn't miss.
The nurse looked at me.
"Your husband isn't coming?"
I smiled.
"No."
She looked uncomfortable.
"He must be very busy."
I almost laughed.
Everyone always had an excuse for him.
Busy.
Tired.
Helping someone.
Being a hero.
But heroes weren't only needed in burning buildings.
Sometimes they were needed in quiet rooms.
At 3 a.m.
During doctor's appointments.
During fear.
The doctor turned the monitor toward me.
"There she is."
My daughter moved.
Strong.
Healthy.
I cried.
Not from sadness.
From relief.
Because she reminded me of something.
I was not abandoned.
Not completely.
I still had someone who needed me.
Someone who already loved me.
When I left the hospital, I found Alex outside.
He looked at the ultrasound picture in my hand.
"You went alone?"
I looked at him.
"Yes."
His face fell.
"Lucy..."
"I waited for you."
He looked down.
"I know."
"No."
I shook my head.
"You don't."
May you like
I held the picture tighter.
"I waited until I realized my daughter deserved a mother who didn't spend her life waiting for someone else."
