The days that followed were a nightmare. Paul grew even more distant, his absences more frequent. Melissa’s mind churned with unanswered questions. Why wouldn’t he tell her the truth? What was he doing out there for hours on end?
As her pregnancy progressed, daily tasks became increasingly difficult to manage. Simple chores left her exhausted, and Paul’s absence turned every day into an ordeal. She struggled to tie her shoes or to navigate the simplest of tasks with her growing belly.