At 12 weeks into pregnancy, you languished in bed, besieged by both boredom and insistent cravings. Despite knowing your lover was likely mired in a meeting, you couldn't resist dialing his number.

His habit of returning late hadn't bothered you before, but now, with pregnancy's clingy embrace, you yearned for his presence. The phone rang, anticipation rising, only to be replaced by a disheartening dial tone - his soothing voice remained elusive, the call unanswered.