At 38, I Secretly Went to the Doctor Without Telling My Husband. While Examining My Large Belly, She Asked, “Why Haven’t You Been Able to Have Children for 18 Years?” I Replied, “My Husband Always Says My Body Is to Blame.” The Doctor Suddenly Became Serious. “Has He Ever Forced You to Do Something You Didn’t Want to Do?” I Whispered, “Yes… Every Night, for 18 Years.” When I Explained What My Husband Had Been Doing to Me, the Doctor Turned Pale, Locked the Door, and Asked, “Does He Know You’re Here?” I Said No. But What She Told Me Next Was More Than I Could Bear…

His eyes filled with tears.

“Sarah, there’s something I should have told you years ago.”

My heart began pounding.

“What is it?”

Michael sat down.

“Do you remember when I was hospitalized three years after our wedding?”

I nodded.

“Afterward, I underwent some medical tests. The doctors told me my illness might have affected my ability to have children.”

I felt dizzy.

“You knew?”

“They weren’t certain. I was supposed to undergo more tests.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I was afraid you’d leave me.”

I stared at him.

“So instead, you let me blame myself for eighteen years?”

He began sobbing.

“I was a coward, Sarah. Every time I wanted to confess, I couldn’t find the courage.”

“And what about those nights? Why did you make me repeat those words?”

Michael slowly raised his head.

“Because you were the first person who said them to me.”