Sky sat on the edge of their bed, tension thick in the dimly lit room. Normally confident, she now fidgeted, fingers restless in her lap. Her eyes were fixed on her wife, who lay curled up on the other side, trembling with quiet sobs.

What have I done? Sky’s mind replayed the ill-conceived prank. It had seemed harmless: hire someone to pretend to have a child with Sky and call in the middle of the night. Meant to be light-hearted, it turned into a nightmare.

The look of panic and betrayal on her wife’s face was seared into Sky’s memory. I have to make this right, she resolved.

“Baby,” she began, her voice trembling. “I am so, so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It was a stupid prank. Please, listen to me. I love you more than anything. There’s no other woman. It’s only you.”

Sky’s eyes welled with tears. “I promise, I'll spend every day making this up to you. Please, give me a chance.”

The room filled with her wife’s quiet sobs, but Sky hoped her words would reach her. Please, forgive me.