A Siren's Call

ren'

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lovers. Our relationship had been on and off over the years, but for the past three years, it had been steady. I star

ment I heard him call me by my name over the phone-not "babe," not "love," just Elaine-I knew something

e. I lost my pregnancy-the one thing that made me feel whole. The one go

d I was alone at home, doing some chores. My appointment was at 9:30. I slipped into the bathtub and laid there for a while, letting my thoughts drift to the future. She was o

y granny. I imagined teaching her to say "mama," and just as I

stopped. In seconds my tongue

in the t

spread across my abdomen. Tears streamed down my f

," Freddi

k. Only silent

asked, concern ri

uldn't find

here in a jiffy," he s

the bathroom floor looking at the tub, I couldn't look away. My body was still shaking and my whole mouth wa

saw his world fall apart too. He tried to be strong for me. He pick

I knew he would've been crying, honking, cursing. Just like the day he got the call about his brother. Timmy-his only brother-who

.. Now, I was standing by the roa

as off. He asked me how I was doing, and I said I was fine. We drove home in silence. I could feel th

ng a deep breath. I sat beside him, quietly, my eyes fixed on him. He looke

rowing

your mind

't working out," he blurted, lik

ng to stay calm. If he'd listened close

you happy? Elly, this isn't how we used to

mbling, eyes misty. "I'm happy wit

me... and that's exactly why I'm telling you this.

eamed dow

ow could he think leavin

t desperate for love or maybe I am. I was a proud person, I would never be

sked, voice stern, thoug

replied,

sank to m

continued. "It should've

left without a word. I grabbed a bottle of gin Freddie had

die left. He just left, without a word, without looking back.I woke up on the sofa,

hat why he helped me get the job? Did he think I'd

he was

worked two weeks. My first paych

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