“I didn’t know how to explain what I was feeling.”
Rebecca looked away, trying to absorb his confession.
She wanted to ask why he had waited, why he had allowed her to believe they were preparing for parenthood together, and why he had chosen this moment to reveal something that could have changed everything between them. ReadBestsellers
But she was exhausted.
“Not now, Ethan,” she said. “Our son needs us to think clearly. I cannot have this conversation while I’m trying to understand whether he’s going to be okay.”
For once, Ethan did not argue.
The Blame Neither of Them Could Take Back
Later that afternoon, the doctor returned with another update.
Their son would need additional treatment and close observation. The medical team was still assessing his condition, and they could not yet say what the coming weeks would bring.
Rebecca listened carefully, asking questions about the next steps and when she might be able to spend more time with him.
Ethan remained silent until the doctor left.
Then he turned toward her.
“I don’t know if I’m ready for any of this.”
Rebecca looked at him in disbelief.
“What does that mean?”
“I mean being a father. Everything has happened so quickly, and I don’t know whether I can handle it.”
“Neither of us knew exactly what to expect,” she replied. “That’s why we were supposed to face it together.”
Ethan shook his head.
“Maybe we weren’t ready to have a child.” FindFamily Lawyer
The words settled between them.
Rebecca took a moment before answering.
“Are you saying this is my fault?”
“No. That’s not what I meant.”
“You’ve spent months knowing we were going to become parents. You had opportunities to tell me about your doubts. You could have asked for help, suggested counseling, or had an honest conversation with me. Instead, you left me to face one of the hardest days of my life without you.”
“I was afraid,” he admitted. “I felt trapped by responsibilities I wasn’t sure I could manage. I kept telling myself I’d figure everything out later.”
“And what about me?” Rebecca asked. “Did you ever wonder whether I was afraid, too?”
Ethan fell silent.
“I was afraid of the delivery,” she continued. “I was afraid something might go wrong. I was afraid of becoming a mother and making mistakes. But I never believed those fears gave me permission to abandon you.” TrackPregnancy
He looked at the floor.
“I don’t have a good answer.”
“No,” Rebecca said. “You don’t.”
She was angry, but beneath the anger was a sadness she could barely describe. She had not expected Ethan to be perfect. She had expected him to be honest.
“I can’t decide the future of our marriage today,” she told him. “And I won’t make promises just because we’re going through something difficult. Right now, I need to recover, and our son needs our attention.”
Ethan nodded, though his expression suggested he had hoped she would offer him some reassurance.
Rebecca had none to give.
The Letter Beneath the Bed
That evening, a nurse helped Rebecca settle more comfortably into her room.
