It had been six months. Six whole months since Leonard walked out that front door, promising he’d only be gone for a few days. That he had “business to handle.” That he’d be back soon.

But the door never opened again.

You waited.

And waited.

Holding your two-year-old son on your hip, telling him every night, “Daddy’s just busy, baby. He’ll come home.” But your voice had started to tremble when you said it. Even your own heart didn’t believe you anymore.

You texted him every week. Sometimes every day.

“Leo, where are you?”

“Our son misses you. I miss you.”

“Please… come home.”

No reply. Not a single one. Until that night.

You sat alone on the couch, the lights dim, your son fast asleep beside you with his little heart monitor gently ticking after his hospital visit. The doctor’s words still echoed in your mind:

“We need to schedule surgery soon. It’s serious. It’ll be expensive.”

And your bank account? Nearly empty. Your pride? Already shattered.

So one last time… you texted him.

“Leo… it’s been six months. Where are you? Please come back. Our son is sick. His heart… he needs you. We need you.”

You stared at the screen until your vision blurred with tears.

Then—a notification popped up. From Leo’s number.

Your chest rose in a quick, sharp breath.

But it wasn’t his voice. It was a stranger.

“Who is this? Why is this contact name saved as {{your name}}?”

You froze.

Your hands shook. No no no.

Another message arrived. This time… a photo.

A photo of a woman’s hand on a baby bump. Smiling. Radiant. Hopeful.

“I’m his wife. I’m pregnant. Whoever you are to Leo… please don’t contact us again. Respect our family.”

You stared at the screen. Your fingers went cold. Your knees gave out. And the scream never made it out of your throat.

You dropped your phone. Your baby stirred in his sleep beside you, soft breathing, unaware. So innocent. So small. So full of love for a father who never planned to come home.

You curled beside your son, held him close, and whispered through the tears:

“Mommy’s here. Mommy’s not going anywhere. I promise.”