THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

ove and happiness, there was a lingering concern – the absence of children. Rose had always

We'll get there, Rose," he'd say. "We just need to be patient." But as the pr

se felt like she was failing, like her body was defective. She prayed fervently, begging God to grant her the gift of mo

palpable, and Rose couldn't help but wonder if she was being punished for something. Sh

were slipping further and further away. Aaron, sensing his sister-in-law's frustration, offered her words of encou

help but feel like she was losing hope. She felt like she was watching her life pass

ossroads. Would they find a way to overcome their challenges, or

deep depression, and her behavior became increasingly erratic. Her mother-in-law's

o calm Rose down, to reassure her that everything would be okay, but she was beyond consol

a fever pitch. She was yelling at herself, calling herself barren and useless. Aaron

was okay. Aaron, trying to maintain a semblance of professionalism, assured th

Rose was still shouting. "Rose, stop it!" he thundered, his voice echoing off the wall

looked at Aaron, her eyes wide with shock and hurt. For a moment,

is own frustration. He realized that he couldn't keep watching Rose destroy herself, that he needed t

estroy herself anymore. He took a deep breath and presented her with two options: "

rogacy. The idea of having another woman carry their child was a

aving her to ponder the two options. Rose screamed and cried, her

tion. Could she really consider having another woman carry her child? Or would adoption be

rt remained. She knew she had to make a decision, but she was torn betw

e this decision alone. She needed Aaron's support and guidance, but he h

nd dialed Aaron's number, hoping he would answ

n to call back, but the silence was deafening. As the night wore on, Rose's

had cried herself out, but her heart still ached with sadness. She n

Rose wondered if Aaron had gone to stay with his mother, or if he had just needed

t a cold dread creeping up her spine. What if Aaron had reached his breakin

d off to sleep, exhausted and emotionally drained. But even in her