Kate sighed deeply, her hand on her stomach. Braxton Hicks contractions had begun that morning, making her uneasy. Though her due date was weeks away, anxiety gripped her. The hospital bag had been packed for days, but a nagging sense of doom lingered. She wondered if she should head to the hospital early, her fears compounded by her husband Tom’s recent behavior.
“Why are you lying around? Kate, lunch won’t cook itself. You do remember my friends are coming over tonight, don’t you?” Tom barked.
Kate glanced at him in disbelief. Over the past few months, he had grown cold, indifferent to her struggles. She had tried to keep the peace, but her swollen back and aching legs made even the simplest tasks unbearable.
“Tom,” she began cautiously, “can’t we order takeout tonight? I’m really not feeling well.”
Tom scoffed. “Takeout? And feed my friends trash? Why did I marry you if you’re this lazy? I warned you about this dinner, and I expect you to make it. No excuses.”
Tears welled in Kate’s eyes. “Why do you treat me like this? Don’t you care about our child or my health?” she pleaded.
Tom sneered. “You’re the housekeeper here. Stop acting entitled and do your job. I’ve been too lenient with you, but that ends now. Start cooking, and clean the living room too. I’m not saying this again.”
Despite the pain and humiliation, Kate dragged herself to the kitchen. As she worked, her thoughts wandered. She couldn’t return to her estranged parents, and her aunt was her only possible refuge. Could she impose on her with a newborn?
Later, as Tom’s friends arrived, his best friend Mark noticed Kate’s pale face. “Kate, you should sit down. We can handle ourselves,” he offered kindly. Ignoring Tom’s dismissive comments, Mark helped her to the couch. As her contractions grew stronger, he called an ambulance when it became clear Tom wouldn’t lift a finger.
Kate delivered a healthy baby boy, Noah, but her joy was clouded by the realization she couldn’t go back to Tom. While recovering, she received a surprising text from Mark:
“Kate, I know this isn’t the best time, but I can’t stay silent anymore. Tom has been seeing someone else. If you need help leaving him, let me know.”
Kate felt a mix of pain and relief. It confirmed what she suspected, but it also gave her the push she needed. She decided to leave, sharing her plans with her aunt, who warmly offered her home.
Upon hearing of her decision, even her mother-in-law expressed support. “Tom’s behavior is inexcusable. You and Noah can stay with me. I’ll help you rebuild your life,” she insisted.
Kate moved in with her mother-in-law, whose kindness and support were invaluable. Mark, too, became a pillar of strength, helping her with the divorce and offering steady companionship. Over time, what began as friendship blossomed into something more, and Kate found herself dreaming of a brighter future.
Looking at Noah one evening, she felt a renewed sense of hope. Her past with Tom was behind her, and she was ready to embrace the happiness her new life promised.
