Chapter 2

In the second year of our marriage, I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant.

When I had my check-up at the hospital, the doctor said I was exactly three months along.

Overjoyed by the news, I couldn't wait to share it with Julian immediately.

At the time, Julian was on a business trip abroad. I planned to keep the news a surprise and tell him when he returned home.

The day Julian came back, it was pouring rain.

I warned him to be careful and to come home right after his plane landed.

I’d given Maria, the housemaid, the day off. I curled up alone on the couch, stroking my belly, imagining how delighted Julian would be.

But Julian never came home.

Because Serena was afraid of thunder, Julian stayed with her all night.

Meanwhile, I slipped on a spilled glass of water and fell heavily to the ground. A warm gush between my legs sent me into a panic.

Fighting the sharp pains in my stomach, I dragged myself to reach for my phone on the table.

Dots of blood stained the floor.

I called Julian’s phone repeatedly, but it just rang unanswered.

I prayed that my baby inside would be strong, just a little stronger, strong enough to hold on until I could get to the hospital.

I gritted my teeth and, with my last ounce of strength, dialed 911.

I woke up in the hospital. Julian told me the baby was gone.

I furiously gripped his collar, asking why he didn’t come home? Why didn’t he answer his phone?

Serena rushed over, tears in her eyes, begging for my forgiveness. She said she was scared of thunder, so she’d messaged Julian, pleading with him to come stay with her.

My child, this baby who had only been in my womb for three months, died that thundering, rainy night.