For the birth of our first kid, my husband, Michael, and I had everything arranged. Michael was meant to put a pretty little hat on our baby, and we had even chosen the music. However, he failed to appear when the time arrived.
Despite the nurses’ attempts to reassure me that he was most likely delayed, I knew something wasn’t right. When our daughter Emily was born, I was ecstatic, but I couldn’t stop asking myself, “Where is Michael?”
Emily and I left the hospital after two days. I persuaded myself that he must have had an accident or been at work for some reason. However, I couldn’t have been prepared for what I discovered.
There was silence in the house. In the hopes that Michael was there planning a surprise, I hurried upstairs to the nursery. However, the room was nearly deserted. There was a note inside the crib, which was all that was left. Michael’s handwriting read, “I love you and our baby, but I had to leave forever,” and my hands shook as I opened it. Ask your mother why she treated me this way.
I was surprised. I called out to my mother, who was seated with Emily in the living room. I demanded to know what had happened after showing her the note. “I didn’t want you to find out this way,” she replied, casting me a sorrowful glance.
What are you saying? What did you do? Michael, where are you? I let out a yell.
“I discovered something about Michael that I couldn’t keep to myself,” she said, taking a long breath. I had to let him know that I knew.
I questioned, “What are you talking about?” with confusion.
“He’s been having an affair with someone from his office,” she retorted.
It was unbelievable to me. “No, mother! That isn’t possible. That’s not what Michael would do. He was ecstatic about our baby and loves me!
“I heard him on the phone discussing meeting someone at a motel,” she stated with a sigh. When I approached him, he acknowledged it. He has been seeing his employer, a rich woman who gives him items that are out of our price range.
Suddenly, everything made sense — the promotion, the new car — it wasn’t just hard work. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I cried. “Why didn’t you give me the chance to talk to him and fix it?” My mom replied, “I gave him a choice. I told him to tell you everything or leave for good. He chose to leave.” I didn’t want to believe her. Michael and I had a strong relationship, or so I thought. And my mom had never really gotten along with him, which made me wonder if she just wanted him gone.
Do you honestly believe that I would do something to cause you such pain? With a trembling voice, my mother inquired. “He cheated on you, which hurt you.”
I was unable to comprehend it. My parents had concealed this from me, depriving me of the opportunity to cope with my husband’s departure.
I said, “You shouldn’t have decided that for me.” “I ought to have had an option.”
My mother expressed regret and said she believed she was shielding me because of how difficult my pregnancy had been.
I was upset, despite her seeming sincerity. In a flash, my life had altered. I was left alone with a newborn after my parents had abused my confidence and my husband had departed.
In an attempt to relax, I nodded. I answered, “Maybe,” while nursing my infant, “but I need some space right now.”
I was unhappy when my mom volunteered to help out and cook for me, but I was grateful for the assistance.
I gave Michael’s actions further thought in the days that followed. It was now obvious that something had been happening because of the late nights and dinners with “colleagues.”
Michael never answered the phone despite my repeated attempts to reach him. Then one day he answered the phone by mistake. It sounded as though he had just awoken.
Michael? I inquired.
“Elena?” he asked, startled.
“Is that accurate?” I inquired.
“Yes,” he replied, “everything. I’m not returning. I must give this relationship a chance since I’ve grown in love with Gretchen, even if I loved you and our child. I’ll see to it that your name is added to the house.
I couldn’t speak. In an instant, he was gone from my life. To be honest, I was glad Emily wouldn’t have to endure this with him.
It’s just my daughter and myself now. It’s difficult, but I’m confident we’ll be alright.
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