The Fifth Anniversary

I sat across from a woman with sharp eyes and an even sharper suit. I had explained the situation in a

lk. It's important.

onto the polished desk. Pregnant. The word echoe

. All the invasive procedures and the quiet shame I carried. And he had done i

her office, and drove. I didn't know where I was going

ding day. Liam and I were smiling, so full of hope. Without thinking, I ripped it from the wall. The glass shattered agains

ook concerned. "Ava, I know you're hurt. I never wanted this to happen." His voice was a soft-soap of

you dare stand there and pretend you're a victim in this. You made

hand on her still-flat stomach. She looked at me with

cause any trouble. I just want what's best for my baby." She was playing her part perfectly, the doe-eyed girl

She swept into the room, her eyes taking in the scene with disdain: me, wild-eyed and broken, the shat

" She didn't look at Chloe, but her next words were clearly for her benefit. "My son has told me the situ

ng in the air, a fina

f I were already gone. Liam stood there, letting his mother speak for him, letting her erase me from the picture. I was no longer a pe