“He Left Me at the Hospital to Help His Mom with Groceries — What Happened Next Shocked Him”

I was thirty-eight weeks along, and one evening, I felt the first strong contractions.

They started slowly, almost teasing me, but within hours they became intense, relentless, and terrifying

. My body tensed with each wave of pain, and I realized that nothing could have prepared me for the strength and force of labor.

Dave was by my side at first, holding my hand, whispering encouragements, stroking my hair, reminding me to breathe.

“Soon, darling,” he said, his voice calm but warm. “Soon we’ll meet her.” I clung to his words, trying to focus, trying to hold onto him as the contractions grew sharper.

Then his phone rang. He answered it reluctantly, murmuring apologies. I assumed it was routine, something minor, a work call or a brief family matter.Continue reading…