You sat in the corner of the living room, your hands trembling over your stomach as if you were trying to protect it from the coming storm. Your heartbeat accelerated with every thought that passed through your head: How am I going to tell him? Walter… the man with the cold looks and words that hurt mercilessly. Your husband, who had never shown you any care or affection.

You heard his heavy footsteps as he entered the house. You gasped unconsciously, and sat up straight. He approached with steady steps, and threw his keys on the table without glancing at you. You swallowed hard and said in a trembling voice:

— Walter… I… I have something important that you need to know.

He turned to you slowly, frowning. You waited a moment, trying to gather your courage. Before you could speak, he interrupted you in a tone as cold as a winter night:

— No need to explain. I know.

You froze in place. You whispered:

— You know…?

He took a step closer until his shadow covered you completely. His dark eyes devoured what was left of your courage.

— Yes. You are pregnant. And I say it now… abort what is in your womb.

You felt the air being ripped from your lungs. The words fell on you like a poisoned dagger. You put your hand on your stomach involuntarily, as if you wanted to block out his words.

— This… our son, Walter… How…?

He interrupted you again with disgust:

— I don’t want children from you. I don’t want this thing to live.