I was constantly exhausted.
Medical appointments became a regular part of my schedule.
My body felt like both a battlefield and a sanctuary.
Diego repeatedly asked to accompany me to prenatal visits.
Initially, I refused.
Eventually, after discussing the situation with my psychologist and Irene, I agreed to let him attend certain appointments.
But there were conditions.
No arguments.
No touching me.
No speaking on my behalf.
He was allowed to attend as the babies’ father, not as a husband entitled to control the room.
The first time he heard both heartbeats clearly, he began crying.
He cried for a long time.
I kept my eyes on the ultrasound screen.
I didn’t want his tears to weaken the boundaries I had worked so hard to establish.
Later, in the parking lot, he spoke quietly.
“I missed the first heartbeat because I am an idiot.”
“You missed it because you were cruel.”
