Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HER DAUGHTER
The contractions slowed.
My daughter remained stable.
After several days of monitoring and treatment, my doctors allowed me to return home with clear instructions about warning signs and follow-up care.
I didn't return to the house I shared with Matthias.
I went to my aunt's home in Westport.
Aunt Caroline had raised three children, survived breast cancer, and spent thirty years teaching high school English.
She was sixty-eight and had absolutely no patience for wealthy men who confused money with morality.
When I arrived, she hugged me.
Then took one look at my face.
“Tea?”
I nodded.
She made tea.
Put a blanket over my legs.
And sat beside me.
For a long time, we said nothing.
Then I whispered:
“My marriage is over.”
She squeezed my hand.
“I know.”
I began crying.
“I wanted my daughter to have both parents.”
Caroline nodded.
“She still can.”
I looked at her.
“Not like this.”
She shook her head.
“Serena, a child needs safe, loving parents. That doesn't always mean those parents stay married.”
I swallowed.
She continued.
“You don't have to decide the rest of your life today.”
I looked down at my stomach.
My daughter moved beneath my hand.
For the first time in weeks, I smiled.
May you like
“No,” I whispered.
“I just have to keep her safe.”
